Chess Prodigy Divya Deshmukh Honored with Rs 3 Crore by Maharashtra CM for World Title Win

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday honored 19-year-old chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, the newly crowned FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup champion, with a cash award of Rs 3 crore during a public felicitation ceremony in Nagpur. Deshmukh, a native of Nagpur like the Chief Minister, secured the prestigious title on July 28 in Batumi, Georgia, becoming the youngest ever to win the Women’s World Cup after defeating compatriot Koneru Humpy in a thrilling tie-breaker. Her victory also earned her the coveted Grandmaster title, marking a historic milestone for Indian chess.

The ceremony, held in their shared hometown, celebrated Deshmukh’s remarkable achievement and her role as an inspiration for young athletes across India. Expressing her gratitude, Deshmukh described the moment as “very special,” emphasizing her joy in motivating children. “I am so happy that I could be a little bit part of their motivation and inspiration,” she said, thanking the Maharashtra government and the Maharashtra Chess Association for their unwavering support.

Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis expressed immense pride as an Indian, a Maharashtrian, and a Nagpur native, hailing Deshmukh’s global triumph. “A local girl has made the country proud at the world level,” he said, noting that the public felicitation was organized to inspire the nation’s youth. He reaffirmed the Maharashtra government’s commitment to prioritizing sports development, ensuring continued support for talents like Deshmukh. State Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate echoed this pledge, promising comprehensive efforts to advance sports across the state.

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Fadnavis presented Deshmukh with a Rs 3 crore cheque, underscoring the government’s dedication to nurturing her future endeavors. The event highlighted Maharashtra’s growing prominence in fostering world-class sporting talent, with Deshmukh’s achievement serving as a beacon for aspiring athletes nationwide.

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