Grandmasters divya deshmukh

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang hailed Grandmasters Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi for their "exceptional performances, dedication and contribution to Indian chess" after the duo was conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award at the National Sports Awards 2025.

Chess maestros GM Divya Deshmukh and GM Vidit Gujrathi were conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award at the National Sports Awards 2025, announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday.

The honour recognises their outstanding sporting performance over the previous four years, along with qualities of leadership, discipline and sportsmanship, thereby reinforcing the growing stature of Indian chess on the global stage.