The newest Chess Grandmaster, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh, received a grand welcome at Nagpur airport on Wednesday (31st July 2025) after winning the Women's World Cup in Batumi, Georgia. She had defeated Indian Chess veteran Koneru Humpy in a tie-breaker round after two classical draws. She also earned a spot in the FIDE Candidates list 2026 and prize money of USD 50,000.
Deshmukh first landed in Mumbai from Batumi, and then travelled to her hometown, Nagpur. She was accompanied by her mother all the way. Before she arrived at Nagpur Airport, her relatives and fans had gathered for a grand reception.
Upon her arrival, Deshmukh expressed her happiness, saying, "I am feeling very happy that so many people have come to felicitate me, and chess is getting the recognition."
The Chess Champ dedicated her success and World Cup triumph to her parents and childhood coach Rahul Joshi, who passed away aged 40 in 2020. She said, "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."
She further expressed her gratitude towards her family members, "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 say will be good enough."
Further, Deshmukh went on to acknowledge Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte's influence on her career and recent success, stating, "Abhijit Sir is lucky for me. Wherever he has been with me, I have won the trophy."
When asked about her plans ahead, Deshmukh said that she wants to have a brief break, after which she will be competing in the upcoming Grand Swiss Tournament in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which is scheduled to be held from September 2-16, 2025. Concluding with, "I will take some rest this month and will play Grand Swiss next month."