Dr. Mandaviya personally felicitated Divya Deshmukh, who also became the 88th Grandmaster of the country and 4th Indian woman to become a GM, on becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women\u2019s World Cup, as well as the youngest ever to do so. Koneru Humpy joined the ceremony virtually.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Addressing the duo at the event, the Union Minister said, \u201cGrandmasters like you will serve as inspiration for the new generation. More youngsters will take an interest in sports, especially a mind sport like chess. Chess may be considered one of India\u2019s gifts to the world, and has been played since ancient times. I firmly believe that many daughters of India will rise in the world by drawing inspiration from both of you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019ve read about Humpy and I know that she has inspired many in her journey. She has played a long and distinguished innings. I remember going home and watching her games with my children,\u201d Dr. Mandaviya added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The FIDE Women\u2019s World Cup 2025, held from July 5\u201328 in Batumi, saw a historic all-Indian final between the 19-year-old Divya and seasoned Humpy. This marked the first time that two Indian women reached the final, and it is also the first-ever Women\u2019s World Cup title for India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Divya, hailing from Nagpur, defeated Humpy in a tense tiebreak after two drawn classical games. She also secured her first GM norm during the event, defeating top players like Zhu Jiner, Harika Dronavalli, and Tan Zhongyi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI am very happy that the title has come to India. Humpy played very well, but I was lucky that I won. For me, the biggest joy was in knowing that no matter who won, the title would come to India,\u201d said Divya.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday I feel so happy to be felicitated by Hon\u2019ble Minister because this motivates athletes and gives youngsters the message that they have the support of the country. I also want to thank the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for the constant support for chess. Sustained encouragement of this kind will help the game grow in the country\u201d, she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The seasoned Humpy, who became a GM at the age of 15 in 2002, recalled her experiences. \u201cIt 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, and the title came to India.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday I feel so happy to be felicitated by Hon\u2019ble Minister because this motivates athletes and gives youngsters the message that they have the support of the country. I also want to thank the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for the constant support for chess. Sustained encouragement of this kind will help the game grow in the country\u201d, she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"The government is not merely supporting sports on paper, but ensuring deep and structured support on the ground. A roadmap has been prepared to that effect. Several reforms will be seen in the coming days. Just last month, we had the announcement of the Khelo Bharat Niti. Now, a National Sports Governance Bill will be considered in Parliament to bring about good governance in sports. After its passage and implementation, the nation will witness further growth in sports development,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n