Goa, Feb. 25 -- At just six years old, Evan Antonio Telles has already etched his name in Goa's chess history. A Grade 1 student at Manovikas English Medium School in Margao, Evan is the youngest Goan chess player to earn FIDE international ratings in all three formats: Standard (1450), Rapid (1470), and Blitz (1466). His journey, which began during the Covid-19 lockdown, is a testament to his passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches.

Evan's story is not just about trophies and ratings; it's about a young boy's love for the game and his dream of becoming a Grandmaster. His parents, Jean Valadares, a dentist, and Enid Telles, an IT officer, have played a crucial role in nurturing his talent and ensuring he...