Nation Awaits Next Chess Milestone as CJI Honours Divya Deshmukh with Young India Country Award

New Delhi, Jan 2026 : The country is eagerly looking forward to the next milestone in the remarkable chess journey of woman Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant said on Monday while presenting her with the Dynamite News Young India Country Award at a ceremony held in the national capital.

Congratulating the young chess prodigy, the CJI said it was a moment of immense pride for the nation. “These children have brought great honour to the country. The entire nation is now looking forward to your next achievement,” he remarked, acknowledging the growing global recognition Indian youth are earning through excellence and dedication.

Justice Surya Kant also lauded the Dynamite News Awards initiative, complimenting the jury for identifying and recognising young talent across a wide range of disciplines. He said such platforms play a crucial role in motivating young achievers and inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.

Senior IAS officer Sanjay Kothari, who was present on the occasion, praised Divya Deshmukh for her extraordinary achievements at a young age. He also commended her parents, Dr Namrata Deshmukh and Dr Jitendra Deshmukh, for their constant encouragement and unwavering support, which he described as instrumental in shaping her successful journey in international chess.

Earlier in the programme, Dynamite News Chairperson Rani Tibrewal formally welcomed the Chief Justice, while Editor-in-Chief Manoj Tibrewal Aakash expressed gratitude to him for gracing the event and presenting the awards.

After receiving the honour, Divya Deshmukh said she felt deeply proud to be selected by the Dynamite News jury. “At this stage of my career, this award will encourage me even more to work harder and aim higher,” she said, expressing her appreciation for the recognition.

At just 19 years of age, Divya has already etched her name in history. She stunned the global chess fraternity by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, becoming the first Indian woman to lift the prestigious title. In a thrilling all-Indian final, she defeated seasoned Grandmaster Koneru Humpy by 1.5–0.5 in the rapid tie-breaks, marking a landmark moment for Indian chess.

A four-member jury comprising Justice Ranjana Desai, Sanjay Kothari, Prof. Chinmay Pandya, and Dr M.C. Mishra selected Manu Bhaker, Ruma Devi, and Divya Deshmukh for the Dynamite News Young India Country Award. Each award includes a citation, plaque, shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.

The awards for Manu Bhaker and Ruma Devi were presented earlier by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, and Supreme Court Judge Justice Rajesh Bindal.

Team Maverick.