New Delhi | Teenaged chess sensation Divya Deshmukh on Friday said more than winning the Women's World Cup earlier this week, her "biggest joy" was that the trophy came to India.
The 19-year-old Divya beat her senior compatriot Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final at Batumi, Georgia, on Monday to become 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, hailing from Nagpur, defeated Humpy in a tense tie-break after two drawn classical games. She also secured her first GM norm during the event, while defeating top players like Zhu Jiner, Dronavalli Harika, and Tan Zhongyi.
Mandaviya said India’s victory in the Women’s World Cup was a testament to the country's sporting prowess.
"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.”
Talking about Humpy's contribution in 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 said the central government was 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 the country overall and fourth Indian woman to become 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,” Humpy, who became a GM at the age of 15 in 2002, said as she joined the ceremony virtually.
