AICF congratulates newly-crowned FIDE Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh

Ranvir Singh

New Delhi: In a historic moment, the 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh on Tuesday won the FIDE Women’s World Cup after defeating India Women’s No. 1 and reigning World Rapid Champion GM Koneru Humpy. With the win, Divya became India’s 88th Grandmaster (GM).

In a statement, All India Chess Federation Secretary Mr Dev Patel congratulated the young athlete for her stunning victory. “A hearty congratulations to you, Divya. You have done wonders and the whole nation is proud of you. At just 19 years, you have shown to the world that age is just a number in chess. You are no less than anyone. Congratulations on becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster,” he said.

“It’s a historic moment for all of us. Especially, since this was an all-India final, and playing against the legendary GM Koneru Humpy must be a pressure situation. On behalf of All India Chess Federation, our state bodies, Government of India and Bharat, a huge congratulation and I am sure you will bring many more achievements to India,” Patel further added.

After drawing the first two classical rounds of the final, Divya finally was able to get the best of GM Koneru in the rapid tiebreaks of the final held in Batumi, Georgia. The first rapid game in the all-India final ended in a balanced draw, after which Divya maintained her composure to win a tough game and clinch the title.