Latest news with #MajorDhyanChandKhelRatnaAward
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
7 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
'They treat their players like superstars': American GM lauds Indian chess scene, slams US system
American GM Hans Niemann praised India's chess ecosystem while criticising the US system after Divya Deshmukh's historic FIDE Women's World Cup win. Divya was felicitated upon her arrival in the country and awarded a Rs 3 crore cash prize. read more American Grandmaster Hans Niemann has caused a stir in the chess world with his recent comments praising India's support for its chess players. He said that the Indian government and federation treat their players like superstars, while he criticised the system in the United States, accusing them of sabotaging their own. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 22-year-old said, 'The Indian government and chess federation treats their players like superstars: supporting their development from an early age and rewarding them for their victories. While the American chess federation sabotages their own. The consequences will be very clear in 5-10 years.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian government and chess federation treats their players like superstars: supporting their development from an early age and rewarding them for their victories. While the American chess federation sabotages their own. The consequences will be very clear in 5-10 years. — Hans Niemann (@HansMokeNiemann) August 3, 2025 Why Niemann lauded Indian chess scene? Niemann's comment came shortly after India's newest Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh received a Rs 3 crore cash prize from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for winning the 2025 FIDE Women's World Cup, becoming the first Indian woman to do so. Divya defeated veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a dramatic all-Indian final held in Batumi, Georgia. Thanks to her victory, she was awarded the Grandmaster title, bypassing the usual technical requirements. It was a big moment for Indian chess. Earlier that week, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had also honoured both Divya and Humpy in New Delhi. He called their achievement a proud moment for the whole country. Divya is India's 88th Grandmaster, and only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this title after Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R Vaishali. When India's D Gukesh became the World Chess Champion last year after defeating China's Ding Liren, he received a similar reception in the country. He was honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, felicitated by the Sports Ministry, and awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and a cash prize of Rs 5 crore by the Tamil Nadu government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier, R Praggnanandhaa also returned home to a hero's welcome after finishing as runner-up at the 2023 FIDE World Cup in Baku, where he narrowly lost to Magnus Carlsen in a nail-biting tiebreak final. He was also honoured by PM Modi, awarded a Rs 30 lakh cash prize by Tamil Nadu government and received an electric car from the owner of Mahindra.
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
PM Modi lauds Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh for defeating world number one in World Team Blitz Championships
New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Indian chess grandmaster Divya Deshmukh for defeating world number one Hou Yifan in the second leg of the Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, 'Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh on defeating the World No. 1, Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London. Her success highlights her grit and determination. It also inspires many upcoming chess players. Best wishes for her future endeavours.' To this, Divya replied on X, 'Thank you, Respected Sir. It is a great honour and encouragement for me to be recognised by the Prime Minister.' Also, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also posted, 'Checkmate ! Heartiest congratulations to our chess star Divya Deshmukh on her stunning win over World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of the Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships in London. Wishing you the very best for the future games.' Notably, India has been doing really well at the international level in chess as of late. D. Gukesh, the reigning World Champion and recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award secured a third-place position in the Norway Chess tournament, which concluded early in June. One of his standout moments during the competition was a win over world number one Magnus Carlsen, which was his first classical game win over him. Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi also finished fifth. Also, Aravindh Chithambaram, clinched first place in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, and R Praggnanandhaa, secured second place in the same tournament. The tournament was held from May 28 to June 6. (ANI)
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Pushkar Singh Dhami hails Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh for defeating world number one in World Team Blitz Championships
New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday lauded Indian chess grandmaster Divya Deshmukh for defeating world number one Hou Yifan in the second leg of the Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London. Taking to X, Pushkar Singh Dhami posted, 'Hearty congratulations to Divya Deshmukh ji on defeating world number 1 player Hou Yifan in the semi-finals of the second stage of the World Team Blitz Championship held in London. This remarkable achievement of yours is an inspiration for chess players across the country. I have full faith that you will continue to make the country proud with your excellent performance in the future as well. Infinite best wishes for your bright future!' Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian chess grandmaster Divya Deshmukh. Taking to X, PM Modi posted, 'Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh on defeating the World No. 1, Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London. Her success highlights her grit and determination. It also inspires many upcoming chess players. Best wishes for her future endeavours. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also posted, 'Checkmate ! Heartiest congratulations to our chess star Divya Deshmukh on her stunning win over World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of the Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships in London. Wishing you the very best for the future games.' Notably, India has been doing really well at the international level in chess as of late. D. Gukesh, the reigning World Champion and recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award secured a third-place position in the Norway Chess tournament, which concluded early in June. One of his standout moments during the competition was a win over world number one Magnus Carlsen, which was his first classical game win over him. Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi also finished fifth. Also, Aravindh Chithambaram, clinched first place in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, and R Praggnanandhaa, secured second place in the same tournament. The tournament was held from May 28 to June 6. (ANI)
United News of India
11-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Leander Paes–Samanta Sports Academy to be established at KIIT and KISS, Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, May 10 (UNI) The Leander Paes–Samanta Sports Academy is set to be established at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday between KIIT-KISS and tennis legend Leander Paes to formalise the initiative. Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, signed the MoU on behalf of the institutions, while Leander Paes signed on his own behalf. According to the agreement, the Academy will promote 16 different sports, including tennis. Leander Paes, an Olympian, recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, and Padma Bhushan awardee, is a former Indian tennis player and the first Asian man to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He has won eight men's doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. This collaboration marks a major milestone in Indian sports development. KIIT and KISS will provide world-class infrastructure, while Paes will offer his technical expertise and extensive experience, attracting talent from across the globe. Following the signing of the MoU, Leander expressed his enthusiasm, noting that KIIT and KISS possess state-of-the-art sports facilities. He pledged to work diligently to elevate both institutions to global prominence in sports education and announced his vision to nurture 250,000 sporting talents over the next 15 years through this initiative. The Academy will emphasise the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of athletes by offering specialised training, rehabilitation services, and diverse development opportunities. Dr. Samanta highlighted that, although KIIT and KISS are academic institutions, they have remained deeply committed to the promotion and development of sports and athletes for over two decades. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Leander Paes for partnering in this noble endeavor, describing it as a moment of immense pride for both institutions. 'This sports academy will significantly benefit athletes, especially those from Odisha,' Dr. Samanta added. UNI DP RN
