Divya ‘honoured’ to be part of title winning Indian team
   Date :31-Aug-2020

Divya Deshmukh_1 &nb
 
 
Sports Reporter :
 
India declared joint winners of Online Chess Olympiad
 
NAGPUR’S talented chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh was over the moon after Indian team, of which she was a part, was declared joint winners of the Online Chess Olympiad along with Russia. “Thank you everyone for your wishes, support and love! couldn’t have done it without you guys!,” tweeted the 14-year-old Divya on Sunday evening. India and Russia were announced joint winners of the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad after the final was marred by internet disconnection and server malfunction. Russia were initially declared winners after Divya and Nihal Sarin lost out on time in the final after suffering a disconnection with the server. According to reports, Divya was in winning position when the internet disconnected.
 
After India lodged a protest against the controversial decision, FIDE, the chess governing body of the world, reviewed and declared India and Russia joint winners. The Chess Olympiad was held online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich made a decision to give gold medals of FIDE Online #ChessOlympiad to both teams - India and Russia,” the world chess body tweeted. After the maiden Chess Olympiad title win Divya expressed her feelings through a tweet and stated that it was an honour for her playing with legendary team-mates. The Indian team comprised Viswanathan Anand, Vidit Gujrathi (captain), P Harikrishna, Koneru Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, Bhakti Kulkarni, Nihal Sarin, Divya, R Praggnanandha, Vantika Agrawal, R Vaishali and Arvindh Chithambaram.
 
She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju after they congratulated the Indian team on twitter. “Couldn’t be more happier with the result! This tournament has taught me lessons I will keep with myself for life. Honour playing with legendary team-mates and amazing opponents. Congrats Russia and Team India! Immediately after India’s win, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Divya and Team India. Calling Divya Nagpur and Maharashtra’s daughter, Fadnavis said the State as well as nation is proud of the team. “Nagpur and Maharashtra’s daughter @DivyaDeshmukh05, we are proud of you !” tweeted Fadnavis tagging Divya. PM Modi twitted: Congratulations to our chess players for winning the FIDE Online #ChessOlympiad. Their hard work and dedication are admirable.
 
Their success will surely motivate other chess players. I would like to congratulate the Russian team as well. Divya replied to PM’s tweet: “Thank you so much sir! Honoured to represent India.” Finance Minister Sitharaman also congratulated the Indian and Russian teams. “Congratulations India and Congratulations Russia. #Chess,” tweeter the Finance Minister. Divya also thanked Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju after the minister tweeted, “I congratulate our Indian contingent that won the Gold at the @FIDE_chess Online Chess Olympiad. India was declared the joint winner with Russia. My heartiest wishes to all players!.” Divya replied: “Humbled. Thank You.”