Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated newly-crowned world champion Divya Deshmukh and said she has made whole India proud. “Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh has made India proud by winning the Women’s Chess World Cup. Especially, as the first Grandmaster of Maharashtra, Maharashtra’s name has been written in golden letters on the international chess board. On behalf of all of Maharashtra, I congratulate Divya Deshmukh for this achievement” Chief Minister Fadnavis wrote in a message. “Divya will be felicitated by the Government in coming days,” he declared. Similarly, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar termed Divya as Maharashtra’s pride. “Pride of Maharashtra, Nagpur’s daughter and our champion Divya Deshmukh has created history by beating Koneru Humpy in tie-breaks and becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup Champion 2025.

 

Not just that with her superb feat, she has also become India’s 88th Grandmaster. We are proud of your exemplary performance and wish you the best for your future endeavours may continue to keep the Indian flag flying high!,” Pawar wrote on X. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wrote on X: “Heartiest congratulations to 19-year-old @DivyaDeshmukh05 from Nagpur for creating history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup! In her debut, she becomes the first Indian to clinch the Women’s Candidates Tournament — a phenomenal achievement for Maharashtra and a proud moment for India.

 

“Her brilliance, focus, and determination have paved the way for countless aspiring minds. More power to her game — the nation celebrates this inspiring victory on the global chessboard!:” STATE REVENUE MINISTER AND GUARDIAN MINISTER OF NAGPUR CHANDRASHEKHAR BAWANKULE congratulated Divya Deshmukh, saying that with the help of patience, determination and intelligence, she has made Vidarbha and Maharashtra proud by winning the World Cup. “This moment should be written in golden letters for Maharashtra,” he said. Bawankule congratulated Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, her coaches and mentors who worked hard for her success, as well as her parents and everyone in the Deshmukh family who stood firmly behind her.

 

Bhushan Shriwas, Secretary, Chess Association Nagpur, congratulated city’s queen of 64 squares.“Heartiest congratulations to Divya! She has not only become the youngest Women’s World Cup winner but has also achieved the prestigious Grandmaster title — a truly remarkable feat. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr Jitendra Deshmukh and Dr Namrata Deshmukh, proud parents of Divya, for their extraordinary dedication and sacrifices in shaping her journey to success. Divya has immense potential to become the World Champion. I humbly request the Government of Maharashtra to extend financial support of Rs 2 crore to aid her preparations for the World Championship,” he stated.

 

KK Barat, Secretary, NDCA, said Nagpur District Chess Association, which was associated with Divya’s baby steps in chess, is proud of her achievement. “The NDCA feels proud of Divya Deshmukh who clinched the World Women Championship-2025 and became the 88th Grandmaster from India. Divya started her career in chess by playing tournaments organised by NDCA, So it is a great occasion for chess fraternity, chess lovers and people of Nagpur in general and for NDCA in particular. The 19-year-old Nagpur girl crowned as Queen of the Chess World! What a moment for India! What a moment for Nagpur!!! Incredible. I, on behalf of NDCA, congratulate Divya and her family members for this outstanding achievement,” said Barat.