Divya Deshmukh On Lifting FIDE World Cup: 'Happy That Title Has Come To India'
Teenaged sensation Divya Deshmukh expressed her joy after winning the Women's World Cup, defeating Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final and was felicitated by Sports Minister.
Teenaged chess sensation Divya Deshmukh expressed her 'biggest joy" on Friday, stating that more than her victory in the Women's World Cup earlier this week, she was thrilled that the trophy came to India.
The 19-year-old Divya defeated her senior compatriot Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final at Batumi, Georgia, on Monday, making her the youngest chess player to win the Women's World Cup.
'I am very happy that the title has come to India. Koneru played very well but I was lucky that I won. For me, the biggest joy was in knowing that no matter who won, the title would come to India," said Divya, who was felicitated by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya here.
'I feel so happy to be felicitated by Hon'ble Minister because this motivates athletes and gives youngsters the message that they have the support of the country.
'I also want to thank Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for the constant support to chess. Sustained encouragement of this kind will help the game grow in the country," she added.
Divya, who hails from Nagpur, triumphed over Humpy in a tense tie-break after two drawn classical games. During the event, she secured her first GM norm and defeated top players like Zhu Jiner, Dronavalli Harika, and Tan Zhongyi.
'Grandmasters like you will serve as inspiration for the new generation. More youngsters will take interest in sports, especially a mind sport like chess. Chess may be considered one of India's gifts to the world, and has been played since ancient times," Mandaviya said.
'I firmly believe that many daughters of India will rise in the world by drawing inspiration from both of you."
Discussing Humpy's contribution to the sport, the minister said, 'I know that she has inspired many in her journey. She has played a long and distinguished innings. I remember going home and watching her games with my children."
He emphasised that the central government is not merely supporting sports on paper but ensuring deep and structured support on the ground. 'A roadmap has been prepared to that effect. Several reforms will be seen in the coming days. Just last month, we had the announcement of the Khelo Bharat Niti. Now, a National Sports Governance Bill will be considered in Parliament to bring about good governance in sports. After its passage and implementation, the nation will witness further growth in sports development."
Divya became the 88th Grandmaster from India and the fourth Indian woman to become a GM. 'It was a very long and exhaustive tournament and I am happy that I was able to play till the end. India dominated the finals with chess players from two generations facing each other, and the title came to India," said Humpy, who became a GM at the age of 15 in 2002, joining the ceremony virtually.
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August 01, 2025, 20:49 IST
News sports Divya Deshmukh On Lifting FIDE World Cup: 'Happy That Title Has Come To India'
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