Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Indian chess grandmaster Divya Deshmukh for her impressive performance at the World Team Blitz Championships in London. Deshmukh secured a significant victory by defeating the world’s top-ranked player, Hou Yifan, in the second leg of the Blitz semifinal. PM Modi took to social media to express his congratulations, highlighting Deshmukh’s determination and grit, while also emphasizing the inspiration she provides to aspiring chess players. Divya Deshmukh responded by expressing her gratitude for the recognition. The Union Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, also congratulated Deshmukh on her remarkable achievement. India has demonstrated strong performances in international chess recently. D. Gukesh, the current World Champion and a recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, achieved third place in the Norway Chess tournament, with a noteworthy victory against Magnus Carlsen. Arjun Erigaisi also secured a fifth-place finish. Aravindh Chithambaram won the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, while R Praggnanandhaa finished second in the same tournament.
