India’s victory in Women’s Chess World Cup is a testament to sporting prowess of Bharat, says Union Sports Minister

New Delhi: 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 here on Friday. Indian chess prodigy Divya and veteran Grandmaster (GM) Humpy made the nation proud with a dominant performance at the recently concluded tournament in Batumi, Georgia.

Dr. Mandaviya personally felicitated Divya Deshmukh, who also became the 88th Grandmaster of the country and 4th Indian woman to become a GM, 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.

Addressing the duo at the event, the Union Minister said, “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.”

“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 added.

The FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, held from July 5–28 in Batumi, saw a historic all-Indian final between the 19-year-old Divya and seasoned Humpy. This marked the first time that two Indian women reached the final, and it is also the first-ever Women’s World Cup title for India.

Divya, hailing from Nagpur, defeated Humpy in a tense tiebreak after two drawn classical games. She also secured her first GM norm during the event, defeating top players like Zhu Jiner, Harika Dronavalli, and Tan Zhongyi.

“I am very happy that the title has come to India. Humpy 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,” said Divya.

“Today I feel so happy to be felicitated by Hon’ble Minister because this motivates athletes and gives youngsters the message that they have the support of the country. I also want to thank the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for the constant support for chess. Sustained encouragement of this kind will help the game grow in the country”, she added. IANS

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