Nagpur, Jul 28: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday extended his heartfelt congratulations to Nagpur’s teenage chess sensation Divya Deshmukh, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025.
In a video call with the 19-year-old Grandmaster, Fadnavis lauded her grit, talent and hard work, calling her victory a proud moment for both Maharashtra and India.
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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis hails Divya Deshmukh’s World Cup win
Earlier in the day speaking to reporters in Nagpur, announced the Maharashtra government will felicitate the 19-year-old newly crowned Grandmaster on her stellar achievement.
"It is a moment of great joy that Nagpur and Maharashtra girl Divya Deshmukh has won the Women's World Cup and earned the Grandmaster title as well. She is the youngest chess player to win the prestigious international title," the CM said.
Divya Deshmukh had won multiple medals for India in different competitions. She has won around 35 medals so far, of which 23 were gold, he said.
The teenaged Indian chess player became the youngest to win the Women's World Cup as she outwitted the seasoned Koneru Humpy in the tie-breaker of an all-Indian final at Batumi in Georgia on Monday.
Later, in a statement, Fadnavis said that Divya Deshmukh has inscribed the state's name in golden letters on the international chess board.
The CM said it was a matter of immense pride that both players in the World Cup final were Indians.
Fadnavis highlighted that moves of these two Indian players on the international stage captivated the entire chess world, calling it an unprecedented and proud moment for the country.
He noted Divya Deshmukh's victory in her second attempt at the women's world championship marks a significant Indian record.
"She is the first teenage chess player to qualify for the Women's Candidates Tournament and is now India's fourth female Grandmaster," the CM said.
The captivating final battle between the two Indian chess players for the world championship title was a thrilling spectacle for the global audience, Fadnavis averred.
Divya Deshmukh becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman to earn the title
Divya Deshmukh is now the fourth Indian woman player to achieve the GM feat after Humpy, Dronavalli Harika and R Vaishali.
For the record, the Nagpur teen became the 88th Grandmaster of the country.
With Inputs From PTI
