Goa Chess Academy inaugurated by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Goa Chess Academy in Panaji, marking a major step in the state’s effort to become a national chess powerhouse. The academy is a joint initiative of the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, the Sports Authority of Goa and the Goa Chess Association, and saw the unveiling of an official Goa Chess jersey.

Grandmaster Ethan Vaz received a Rs 5 lakh cash award, while the Goa Chess Association was granted Rs 20 lakh for the Manohar Parrikar Chess Tournament, bringing total announced support to Rs 25 lakh. Sawant said the academy will develop a pipeline of world‑class coaches and players, expand training centres to every taluka and set up a dedicated facility in South Goa, aiming to host events such as the FIDE World Cup and to promote the Fit India Movement through chess.