Divya Deshmukh felicitated for FIDE World Cup triumph

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy for their stellar performances at the FIDE Women’s World Cup. Divya made history as the youngest and first Indian woman to win the title and become a Grandmaster.

HYDERABAD: Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 medallists Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy in New Delhi on Saturday.

Indian chess prodigy Divya and veteran Grandmaster (GM) Koneru made the nation proud with a dominant performance at the recently concluded tournament in Batumi, Georgia.

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Dr. Mandaviya personally felicitated Divya Deshmukh, who also became the 88th Grandmaster of the country and the 4th Indian woman to become a Grand Master, on becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, as well as the youngest ever to do so. Koneru Humpy joined the ceremony virtually.

“Grandmasters like you will serve as inspiration for the new generation. More youngsters will take an 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. I firmly believe that many daughters of India will rise in the world by drawing inspiration from both of you,” the Union Sports Minister said.

“India’s victory in the women’s Chess World Cup is not only a testament to the sporting prowess of Bharat, but also highlights the sports ecosystem that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has established in the country,” the Minister said.

“The Government is 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,” he said.

“I’ve read about Humpy and 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,” Dr. Mandaviya said.

“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,” stated Divya. “I also want to thank the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for their constant support of chess. Sustained encouragement of this kind will help the game grow in the country”, she said.

“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 said.