No player should miss out on tournaments due to lack of funds, says CM
2
Nagpur: Maharashtra is set to establish advanced sports training centres with global-standard facilities, international coaches, and certified nutritionists, chief minister
Devendra Fadnavis
announced on Saturday.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony for Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, Fadnavis said the state is committed to building a robust sports ecosystem where every deserving player gets full support.
He also added that no athlete should miss out on tournaments due to financial or logistical constraints.
Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said Divya's triumph brought him threefold happiness: as an Indian witnessing the end of Chinese dominance in chess, as a Maharashtrian proud of the state's talent, and as a Nagpurkar celebrating a hometown hero.
"She made us proud at the global level," said Fadnavis. "At just 19, she's achieved what many can only dream of," he added.
Fadnavis emphasised that Divya's journey — from Under-9 champion at the age of 7 to defeating elite global players — is a source of inspiration for thousands of young chess aspirants.
Highlighting the focus, discipline, and sharpness required for chess in an age dominated by mobile distractions, he stressed that Maharashtra would continue to give sports the priority it deserves.
"This felicitation is not just to honour her but to inspire others. We are building a system where no talented sportsperson is deprived of chances due to a lack of funds or facilities," he said.
Fadnavis elaborated on several initiatives launched by the state to uplift sports. "Until recently, there was no provision to fund players. Now we've changed that. We offer cash prizes and direct support to help athletes with travel, training, and equipment," he said.
Fadnavis also revealed that the state govt has already transferred Rs3 crore into Divya's account as a reward.
On a lighter note, cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal commented on Nagpur's intellectual strength, saying, "People from Nagpur seem to be especially brilliant at chess." Jokingly, he added, "I also play chess, but in politics. Knocking out pawns and checkmating opponents is a skill we learn here, too."
MLC Parinay Fuke, president of the Maharashtra Chess Association, also praised Divya's achievement, calling it a landmark moment for both Nagpur and India.
"After Vishy Anand, she is the first Indian woman to bring such glory to India. The finals were tough, with three tie-breakers, but her aggressive play helped her clinch the win," he said. He recalled her early days, citing her first coach, the late Rahul Joshi, and current coach Abhimanyu Puranik.
Fuke also revealed that when they approached the CM for funding the Chess Grand Prix in 2023, he immediately approved Rs2 crore.
"Divya, who had lost to Koneru Humpy in the semi-final then, went on to defeat Humpy in this year's finale," he said.
With the next Chess World Cup (Open) set to take place in India, Fuke said that Maharashtra deserves to host the event and take its rightful place on the world chess map. Fadnavis replied that if the Maharashtra Chess Association manages to bag the hosting rights, the state govt will ensure that it is organised at a grand level.
Newly appointed sports minister Manikrao Kokate, in his first public address, called chess a mix of discipline, concentration, and mental strength. Kokate announced that funds would be specially allocated for advanced training of girl athletes. "If girls are given the right opportunity and support, they can conquer the world. I will do everything in my capacity to make Maharashtra the top state in sports," Kokate said.
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