‘Delighted on three levels’ Maharashtra CM on Divya’s triumph

 

 

 

TEENAGE chess sensation and latest World Cup winner Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh was felicitated by the Maharashtra State Government, Maharashtra Chess Association and Khasdar Krida Mahotsav Committee at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Hall on Saturday. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis bestowed Divya with a cash award of Rs 3 crore and was extremely proud of Divya. The CM had also congratulated Divya via video call just after she won the prestigious title in Batumi, Georgia. A prize of Rs 11 lakh was also presented by the Maharashtra Chess Association. She was also honoured by the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav Committee. The 19-year-old Divya beat her senior compatriot Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final at Batumi, Georgia, on Monday to become the youngest chess player to win the Women’s World Cup.

 

“I am delighted on three levels today. Firstly because the World Champion title had come to India, secondly because Divya became the first female Grandmaster of Maharashtra and lastly because the trophy has come to my hometown of Nagpur,” said Fadnavis. During the function, Fadnavis shared that Divya’s parents were also invited on the dais but they chose to watch their daughter’s felicitation from the audience’s point of view. “This is a special occasion for us. The event is not just for the felicitation of Divya but also to inspire young students that even they are eligible to write history. The echoes of her victory can be heard in Maharashtra Assembly and is a matter of immense pride for those from the Orange City,” said the CM. Fadnavis shared that upon Divya’s victory, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection of Maharashtra Chhagan Bhujbal said, ‘Nagpurkars are always a level smarter’, he stated referring to Divya’s title win. “At the age of 7, she became the national champion in the Under-9 category, each and every step since her childhood has been leading up to this moment. Her coach late Rahul Joshi, who trained her since childhood, has played a huge role in her success, and if he was here today he must have been immensely proud of Divya. “China used to dominate chess.

 

This dominance of China was broken by Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh.” Fadnavis accepted that he is a fan of cricket but Divya’s win is humongous. “Only about 12 countries participate in cricket World Cup, but coming out victorious in a game like chess, which is played by more than 100 countries is humongous. The professionalism required in chess is exponential,” he said. The CM also mentioned no athlete is going to put the cash prizes received into a mutual fund, a sportsperson makes use of the money for their training, coaching and nutrition. “Nagpur has been very special for me,” Divya expressed happily. “The power which I feel when I am in Nagpur is surreal, the support, the love and the homely vibe is just astonishing. “Next is the Candidates Tournament, I hope Nagpur gets its first World Champion,” she concluded. MLC and President of Maharashtra Chess Association Dr Parinay Fuke also praised Divya and bestowed her with Rs 11 lakh for her victory in the FIDE World Championship. “Words fall short to express the pride which I am feeling right now, this programme is to celebrate Divya’s hard work, struggle and persistence in her sport, also not to mention the hardships endured by her parents.”

 

Fuke also mentioned that Divya’s maternal great grandfather used to take on revolutionary Vinobha Bhave on the board with 64 squares, and that resemblance can be seen in her confidence. “Divya giving the credit to her coach late Rahul Joshi after she landed in Nagpur shows humility and the impact of good coaches in a sportsperson’s life, Joshi must be immensely proud of Divya. “Our goal is to take Maharashtra to the top level in chess in India,” he signed off. “Divya’s victory is now the victory for Maharashtra. Divya has been into this sport since childhood and her dedication towards chess is superb.

 

She is an inspiration for the young generation,” stated newly-appointed Sports and Youth Welfare Minister of Maharashtra Adv Manikrao Kokate. “Maharashtra Government believes in finding and nurturing sporting talents in the State, ” he declared. Fourth Grandmaster of India, Abhijit Kunte informed that MLC Pravin Datke has promised to allot land for chess academy in Divya’s name. Earlier, Sports and Youth Services Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugle made introductory remarks while Kunte proposed a vote of thanks. Minister of State for Finance and Planning Adv Ashish Jaiswal, MLA and MLCs Sandip Joshi, Abhijit Wanjari, Pravin Datke, Krishna Khopde; Additional Chief Secretary of Sports Department Anil Diggikar, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal, Nagpur District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar, Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, CEO Zilla Parishad Vinayak Mahamuni, MCA VP Girish Vyas, Divya’s father Dr Jitendra Deshmukh, mother Dr Namrata Deshmukh, office-bearers of district organisations affiliated with Maharashtra Chess Association, chess players, school students, and Nagpur residents in large numbers were present on the occasion.