Divya Deshmukh Makes History: First Indian Woman Wins Chess World Cup

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari extended his congratulations to 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh via video conferencing after her remarkable victory in the FIDE Women's World Cup, defeating experienced contender Koneru Humpy in the final. Deshmukh's triumph marks her as the first Indian woman to clinch this prestigious chess accolade.

Gadkari emphasized the pride this victory brings not only to Deshmukh's hometown of Nagpur and the state of Maharashtra but to the entire nation. Deshmukh, now the fourth Indian woman grandmaster and the 88th overall, secured the title following a pivotal mistake by Humpy during the final moments of the match.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal praised the achievement, noting the rise of Indian sports under recent government encouragement. Fadnavis highlighted the nation's responsibility to continue supporting promising athletes, while Kejriwal lauded both finalists as symbols of India's strength and potential in sports.

(With inputs from agencies.)