 "'He always wanted me to become a GM, and this is for him': Divya Deshmukh pays emotional tribute to first coach after historic feat")
India’s newest chess Grandmaster, Divya Deshmukh , returned home to Nagpur on Wednesday, July 30, to a grand welcome. The 19-year-old arrived from Batumi, Georgia, after winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup, her biggest title so far. She was greeted by a crowd of fans, friends, and family at the airport.
Divya, who beat Indian legend Koneru Humpy in a tense final that went into tie-breaks, said she was overwhelmed by the love she received after reaching her hometown. Thanks to her victory at the World Cup, Divya also earned the coveted GM title without having to fulfill the technical requirements.
Talking about her reception, Divya said, “I am feeling very happy that so many people have come to felicitate me, and chess is getting the recognition.” Meanwhile, Divya also earned a prize money of $50,000 (over Rs 43 lakh) and secured a place in next year’s Candidates Tournament.
Divya pays tribute to late coach
Divya credited her family for standing by her every step of the way and thanked her first coach, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 40. Divya is only the fourth Indian woman to earn the GM title after Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R Vaishali.
“My parents have played the biggest role in my career. Without them I would not have reached here. Credit to my family, my parents, my sister, and my first coach, Rahul Joshi sir. He always wanted me to become the Grandmaster, and this is for him,” Divya said.
“My mother and father had a bigger role to play but definitely my whole family, my sister Arya Deshmukh, my grandmother, grandfather…I don’t think whatever I will say will be enough (for my parents),” she added.
She also gave a special shout-out to Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte, who has mentored her in recent years. “Abhijit sir is lucky for me. Wherever he has been with me, I have won the trophy,” Divya said.
Divya revealed that she will be taking a break before heading to Uzbekistan for the Grand Swiss, which takes place from September 2 to 16 in Samarkand. “I will take some rest this month and will play Grand Swiss next month,” she said.
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