Divya Deshmukh Celebrated for Historic FIDE World Cup Victory

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya honored Divya Deshmukh for her remarkable achievement as the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup on August 2, 2025. The ceremony took place in New Delhi, where Deshmukh was recognized not only for her title but also for becoming the youngest player to attain this historic win and the 88th Grandmaster of India.

The event celebrated both Deshmukh and fellow Indian chess star Koneru Humpy, who joined the ceremony virtually. Both players showcased exceptional talent at the tournament held in Batumi, Georgia, underscoring India’s growing prominence in the world of chess. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the significance of their accomplishments, stating, “Grandmasters like you will serve as inspiration for the new generation,” and reaffirmed the importance of chess as a cultural heritage of India.

Dr. Mandaviya elaborated on the government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure, stating, “The Government is not merely supporting sports on paper but ensuring deep and structured support on the ground.” He mentioned the recent announcement of the Khelo Bharat Niti and a forthcoming National Sports Governance Bill aimed at improving governance in sports.

During her speech, Divya Deshmukh expressed gratitude towards the Sports Authority of India and the Ministry of Sports for their ongoing support. “Sustained encouragement of this kind will help the game grow in the country,” she noted. Reflecting on her victory, she said, “I was lucky that I won. For me, the biggest joy was knowing that no matter who won, the title would come to India.”

Koneru Humpy, a veteran in the chess world, also shared her thoughts on their achievements. She remarked, “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.”

The recognition of Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy highlights the potential for future growth in chess among young players in India. With inspiring figures like these, the landscape of Indian chess appears poised for continued success on the international stage.