Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Goa Chess Academy at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji.
The function was organised by Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Goa and Sports Authority of Goa in Association with Goa Chess Association.
Secretary (Sports), Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS, Director of the Sports & Youth Affairs and Executive Director of SAG, Dr. Ajay Gaude and President of the Goa Chess Association, Mahesh Candolkar, were also present among others.
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.
