Will Provide More and More Quality and Advanced Facilities to Athletes

 Will Provide More and More Quality and Advanced Facilities to Athletes – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Civic felicitation of World Chess Championship winner Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh

Divya’s shining success will inspire the children across the country

State Government awards a prize of ₹3 crore

Nagpur, Aug 2: The Government of Maharashtra has always prioritized the field of sports. Athletes aspire to achieve great goals, and for this, proper training, nutritious food, and the guidance of foreign coaches are essential. These aspects are necessary if we wish to succeed in international-level competitions. Advanced and high-quality facilities are being increasingly provided to athletes, and the glorious success achieved by Divya Deshmukh in the World Championship will serve as an inspiration to thousands of boys and girls in the country, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The civic felicitation of World Chess Championship winner Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh was organized at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium by the School Education and Sports Department and the Maharashtra Chess Association. Chief Minister Fadnavis, who was speaking at the event, honored Divya by presenting a prize of ₹3 crore on behalf of the Maharashtra Government. The Maharashtra Chess Association also awarded her a prize of ₹11 lakh. Additionally, she was felicitated by the MP Sports Festival Committee.

Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate, Minister of State for Finance and Planning Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, MLAs Sandeep Joshi, Abhijit Wanjari, Praveen Datke, Krishna Khopde, President of the Maharashtra Chess Association and MLA Dr. Parinay Fuke, Additional Chief Secretary of the Sports Department Anil Diggikar, Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Sheetal Teli-Ugale, Police Commissioner Dr. Ravindra Singhal, District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Choudhary, CEO of the Zilla Parishad Vinayak Mahamuni, Divya’s parents Dr. Jitendra Deshmukh and Dr. Namrata Deshmukh, office bearers of district associations affiliated to the Maharashtra Chess Association, chess players, students, and citizens of Nagpur attended the event in large numbers.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Divya, at a young age, remained focused on her goal without distractions. Chess requires spontaneity, concentration, and alertness. Chess is played in over 100 countries, making Divya’s achievement significant. Earlier, China used to dominate in chess. This dominance was challenged and broken in the World Chess Championship by Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh. Divya, at just 19 years of age, emerged victorious in the final round. She has achieved great heights at a young age, and this felicitation ceremony was organized so that thousands of boys and girls across the country could draw inspiration from her success, the Chief Minister added.

Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Adv. Manikrao Kokate said that behind every successful athlete stands a supportive family, coach, and system, all of which play an equally important role in their success. Therefore, their contribution is invaluable. If girls are given opportunities, proper training, and motivation, they can conquer the world. Divya has proven this transformation. This achievement sets an ideal example for everyone, Minister Kokate said. Through the State Government, efforts are being made to provide athletes with opportunities and funds. Various competitions will be organized at schools and colleges, he added.

World Chess Championship winner Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh expressed her thoughts. She said that the State Government provided significant support in her journey to becoming a World Chess Champion. Nagpur is a special city for her, and she thanked the people of Nagpur for this felicitation. She added that after this success, she will prepare even more rigorously for the upcoming world competitions.

President of the Maharashtra Chess Association MLA Dr. Parinay Fuke also shared his thoughts. He expressed his hope that the Chess World Cup to be held in India should be organized in Maharashtra.

Commissioner of Sports and Youth Services Sheetal Teli-Ugale delivered the welcome address, and Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte proposed the vote of thanks.

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