Proud moment for India, says Divya’s father  

 

WHILE the daughter plays for hours together, the father prefers to keep it simple and short, yet meaningful. “Pride moment for India,” were the only four words that Dr Jitendra Deshmukh spoke after her daughter Divya Deshmukh became first ever Indian to win Women’s Chess World Cup on Monday. The victory also gave Divya a Grandmaster’s tag, highest title a chess player can achieve. While Divya was marching towards glory, Dr Deshmukh, a noted gynaecologist, was busy treating his patients. Divya won the World Cup in afternoon but it was only late in the evening that Dr Deshmukh responded to ‘The Hitavada’s call for that short summarised comment.

 

 

All of just 19, Divya popped up Nagpur’s name on the global map by being crowned as the latest Queen of Chess World. In an all-India FIDE World Cup final played at Batumi in Georgia, Divya got the better of double her age Konery Humpy in second tie-breaker to win the elite title. It was an extended final as the first two Classical games, held on Saturday and Sunday, ended in draw. The summit clash was taken to the third day, where the players’ wit was to be tested in the Rapid format. First of the two tie-breakers also yielded no result. But shorter version being forte of the city lass, much was expected from Divya and she delivered the knock-out punch in second game cornering Humpy. The wait was worth it all as the little champ broke into tears of joy after crowing glory and embraced he mother (Dr Namrata) who has sacrificed her gynaecology practice to be beside her daughter for all tournaments. Divya’s aunt Dr Smita Deshmukh, who is a practicing non-invasive cardiologist, was the first one from the family in Nagpur to offer her reactions. “Indeed, this is a very big achievement.

 

All credit to Divya for winning the World Cup and making Nagpur, Maharashtra and India proud. Apart from Divya’s hard work, dedication and discipline, credit must be give to her parents who have sacrificed much for her. We also thank God for showering blessings on Divya. “The coaches, right from her childhood days, also deserve to be thanked and appreciated, in this huge moment for the Deshmukhs. In fact, one must also congratulate Koneru Humpy as India not only got a gold but also a silver in the big event. I think this is golden era of chess in India as Gukesh also became the youngest world chess champion few months ago,” said Dr Smita making sure nobody returned without having a sweet. “Once both Divya and her mother are back, we will plan a big celebration,” she added. On whether she was following the final, Dr Smita said, “Being opening day of the week, there was a rush of patients and I was examining one when I got to know that Divya has won.

 

I was watching the match on phone kept muted. As soon as Divya won the match and became the World Cup winner, I just requested my patient to give me a minute’s break to soak in the moment. It was a big emotional moment for me and all the family members (most of whom are doctors).” A host of mediapersons, members from chess fraternity including Sachidanand Soman, Working President, Chess Association Nagpur, were the first one to throng the residence to wish the family members. But all had to wait since nobody from the family except Divya’s grandmother was at home. Later in the evening, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, an ardent sports lover who was once a President of Nagpur District Basketball Association, wished Divya for her stupendous success from his official residence Ramgiri in Civil Lines. Congratulatory messages flooded social media with none other than President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the new world champion.

 

The World Cup crown, also brought with it the Grandmaster’s tag, biggest thing in the game of 64 squares, and a spot at prestigious Candidates Tournament next year, for Divya. One hopes this is “just the start” as the new champion herself put it after winning the World Cup.