Efforts are Being Made to Provide Players with More Quality and Advanced Facilities – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, World Chess Champion, Felicitated by Citizens

Prize Money of ₹3 Crore Awarded

Nagpur, Aug 2025 – The Maharashtra Government has always given priority to the field of sports. For players aiming for big goals, aspects like technical training, nutritious diet, and guidance from international coaches are essential. To achieve success in global competitions, these factors are necessary. The state government is striving to provide athletes with high-quality and modern facilities. The glorious achievement of Divya Deshmukh in the World Chess Championship will serve as an inspiration for thousands of boys and girls across the country, expressed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The civic felicitation of World Chess Champion Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh was organized jointly by the Department of School Education and Sports and the Maharashtra Chess Association at the Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Hall. Speaking at this occasion, CM Fadnavis honored Divya with a prize of ₹3 crore. Additionally, the Maharashtra Chess Association awarded her ₹11 lakh, and she was also felicitated by the MP Sports Festival Committee.

Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State for Finance and Planning Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, MLAs Sandeep Joshi, Abhijit Wanjarri, Praveen Datke, Krishna Khopde, President of Maharashtra Chess Association and MLA Parinay Fuke, Additional Chief Secretary of Sports Department Anil Diggikar, Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Sheetal Teli-Ugale, Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravindra Singhal, District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhary, CEO of Zilla Parishad Vinayak Mahamuni, Divya’s parents Dr. Jitendra Deshmukh and Dr. Namrata Deshmukh, office bearers of district chess associations affiliated to Maharashtra Chess Association, chess players, school students, and a large number of Nagpur citizens were present.

The Chief Minister further said that Divya, at a young age, stayed focused on her goal without distractions. Chess demands spontaneity, concentration, and alertness. Chess is played in over 100 countries, making Divya’s success even more remarkable. Earlier, China used to dominate chess, but in the World Chess Championship, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh have successfully challenged and dismantled China’s dominance. Divya clinched victory in the finals at just 19 years of age.

She has reached great heights at a young age, and this felicitation program has been organized to inspire thousands of boys and girls across the country. Divya’s success will undoubtedly motivate countless youngsters, CM Fadnavis added.

Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate stated that while grooming a successful athlete, the support system of family, coaches, and management is equally important. Their contribution to this success is invaluable. If girls are given opportunities, proper training, and motivation, they can conquer the world. Divya has proved this transformation. This success stands as an ideal for all, Kokate said. The state government is making efforts to provide opportunities and funds to athletes. Various competitions will be organized through schools and colleges, he further informed.

World Chess Champion Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, in her address, expressed her gratitude. She acknowledged the significant support received from the state government in becoming a world chess champion. She expressed her special connection to Nagpur and thanked the people of Nagpur for organizing this felicitation. She mentioned that after this achievement, she will prepare even more rigorously for future world competitions.

President of Maharashtra Chess Association MLA Parinay Fuke also shared his thoughts, expressing the hope that the upcoming Chess World Cup should be hosted in Maharashtra.

Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Sheetal Teli-Ugale delivered the welcome address, while Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte proposed the vote of thanks.