Goa Elevates Competitive Chess Ecosystem with Inauguration of Goa Chess Academy

Goa Khabar:“The Goa Chess Academy will nurture future champions, strengthen coaching excellence and create greater opportunities for aspiring players across the State,” says Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Panaji: The Goa Chess Academy was inaugurated today by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Campal, marking a significant step towards strengthening Goa’s competitive chess ecosystem. Established by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa and the Goa Chess Association, the Academy will provide structured coaching, nurture emerging talent and create greater opportunities for Goan players to excel at the national and international levels.

The Academy will serve as a dedicated centre for chess training and coach development. The official Goa Chess Academy jersey was also unveiled on the occasion. Grandmaster Ethan Vaz was felicitated with a cash award of ₹5 lakh in recognition of his achievement, while the Goa Chess Association received financial assistance of ₹20 lakh towards the organisation of the Manohar Parrikar Chess Tournament, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to promoting competitive chess in the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said the Academy would play an important role in developing quality chess coaches and nurturing future champions. He announced that similar chess training centres would be expanded to the taluka level, with a dedicated centre also planned for South Goa to ensure wider access to professional coaching across the State.

Referring to Goa’s successful hosting of the FIDE World Cup as a landmark achievement for the State, CM Dr. Sawant said the Goa Chess Academy would further strengthen Goa’s position on the global chess map by nurturing future champions. He also encouraged young people to embrace the Fit India Movement, emphasising that chess promotes discipline, concentration, strategic thinking and mental well being.

The programme was attended by Secretary (Sports) Shri Santosh Sukhadeve, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs and Executive Director, Sports Authority of Goa Dr. Ajay R. Gaude, President of the Goa Chess Association Shri Mahesh Kandolkar, officials of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, representatives of the Goa Chess Association, chess players, coaches, parents and other distinguished guests.