D Gukesh recalls competing alongside Divya Deshmukh since age of eight, acknowledges her World Cup triumph: 'We grew up together'

In a span of just two years, Indian chess has soared to the exosphere. Whether it’s the Olympiad, the World Championship, or the FIDE World Cup, the Indian flag is flying high in every aspect of the Chess bloc. After D Gukesh’s historic World Championship victory, all eyes are on Divya Deshmukh, who is making similar strides in the women’s category.

The 19-year-old recently clinched the FIDE Women’s World Cup, held in Batumi, Georgia, and qualified for the Candidates tournament. Moreover, she also clinched Grandmaster in a direct fashion by winning the big tournament.

Gukesh acknowledges Divya’s massive achievement

As class often recognises class, Divya’s ascension has been noted by world champion Gukesh, who also had a few things to say about the achievement of India’s newest Grandmaster.

“We (Gukesh and Divya) basically grew up together. We played in the same tournaments right from when we were eight or nine years old. The way Divya won the World Cup was really inspiring. It is not easy to win the tournament, you have to play regularly for a month. I have played the World Cup two times, so I know how difficult it is to win,” Gukesh said in a Velammal Nexus event that was organised to felicitate Mount Everest conqueror Ashish.

“Both of them (Divya and losing finalist, veteran Koneru Humpy) played amazingly well. For Indian chess, it is important that we have good results in both men (open) and women."

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Having played the FIDE World Cup twice, World Champion Gukesh will aim to win the whole thing when he takes part in the tournament, slated to take place later in the year in India.

“For sure, I will take part in the World Cup. I am really excited and looking forward to it. In chess, we do not have many knockout events, so the World Cup is the biggest knockout tournament. After the Olympiad (in 2022), India hosting a big event is important for Indian chess,” added Gukesh, who will be gunning for his maiden WC trophy.

Given that Divya has already bagged the prize, India will complete a World Cup double should Gukesh or any other contender from India go on to win the competition.