Divya Deshmukh Felicitated by Union Sports Minister After Historic FIDE Women’s World Cup Triumph

Hyderabad, August 1, 2025 — In a moment of national pride and celebration, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, today felicitated Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh at a special ceremony in New Delhi for her historic victory at the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup Final.

The 19-year-old prodigy from Nagpur etched her name in the annals of Indian sporting history by clinching the prestigious international title last week, defeating reigning world champion Ju Wenjun in a nerve-racking final in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Minister Mandaviya praised Deshmukh’s “tenacity, brilliance, and calm under pressure,” calling her victory “a symbol of the rising strength of Indian women in global sports arenas.”

“Divya’s triumph is not just a win for Indian chess, but a milestone for the nation's youth,” Mandaviya said. “She exemplifies the spirit of New India — bold, confident, and unstoppable.”

The felicitation was attended by officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), All India Chess Federation (AICF), and prominent figures from the chess community. The minister presented Deshmukh with a commemorative plaque, a shawl, and a ₹25 lakh cash award under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

“I am humbled by the support from my country,” Deshmukh said, expressing gratitude to her coaches, family, and the AICF. “Winning the World Cup was a dream — being honoured like this makes it even more special.”

Sources from SAI confirmed that Deshmukh will now be fast-tracked into the elite training circuit, with enhanced international exposure and psychological coaching ahead of the next FIDE Grand Prix cycle.

Deshmukh’s victory marks India’s first-ever title win at the FIDE Women’s World Cup, a feat that has inspired a new wave of interest in chess across schools and grassroots academies.

According to AICF President Sanjay Kapoor, “Divya has ignited a revolution. This is India’s chess renaissance, and we are just getting started.”

As celebrations continue across the country, particularly in her hometown Nagpur, Deshmukh’s victory is being hailed as a watershed moment in Indian sports — one that could inspire the next generation of grandmasters.

— Reported by [Jagathkrishna Yadav], Journalist, Hyderabad