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The 19-year-old from Nagpur opened up on her historic title-winning run in Georgia, which earned her the Grandmaster title in addition to the FIDE Women’s World Cup crown.
Divya Deshmukh (X)
Teenage Indian Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, who scripted history by becoming the first woman from the nation to clinch the FIDE Women’s World Cup, opened up on the triumph in an EXCLUSIVE with News18.
The 19-year-old from Nagpur, who also earned the title of Grandmaster on the back of her crown in Batumi, expressed that the success hasn’t completely sunk in yet and revealed how the even in Georgia was one of the most nerve-wrecking ones she has participated in.
“I have not had time to sink in the win,” said the teenage GM.
“It was by far the most difficult and longest tournament. It was a do or die situation and a test of resilience,” she added.
Divya revealed that she was focused on making it to the summit clash throughout the duration of the tournament and once she secured her berth in the championship bout, she had just one objective in mind.
Deshmukh got the better of another compatriot, GM Dronavalli Harika, and Tan Zhongyi of China en route to her final as the teenager demonstrated poise and patience throughout the campaign. Deshmukh got the better of her senior compatiot Koneru Humpy in the title clash to seal the victory and everything that goes with it.
“Until i reached finals, I was trying to just give my best everyday and when I reached finals, my goal was only to win this final,” the GM said.
“Playing Against Koneru Humpy – Playing with her was not new for me. She is an incredible player. I was nervous after first round.”
Deshmukh went on to state, “I hope Vishy sir is happy,” in a nod to the brightest Chess mind to come out of India in the long and storied history of the ancient game.
Deshmukh also stated that she tries to block out external noise and that meditation helps her with coping with the pressure of top-level sport.
“Meditation helps me. I follow some routines. I always have to be on top of my game. I work on blocking off the pressure,” she said.
“My coping mechanism – I have been fortunate. I have had several winning moments,” Deshmukh added.
Deshmukh was accompanied by her mother, who stood by her ward throught the tournament, much like she has done so for the entiriety of her daughter’s fledgling career, and the wunderkind from Nagpur expressed her gratitude to her mum while also acknowledging her entire family and her coach.
“I thank my mother, coach and my family,” Deshmukh added.
“My mother was trying to console me and support me,” she said.
“Both my parents are strong influences on me. I go to both of them deal with the game stress and for motivation and my sister is the one i go to in times of decision making,” she revaled.
Deshmukh also expressed pride in the strong showing India has produced on the global stage in recent times with multiple title coming the way of the tricolour thanks to the efforts of the Chess fraternity. She also hoped for better and brighter things in the future for herself and for the game of chess in the nation.
“What is common is that we enjoy our game, we are passionate about it. India’s success is unstoppable.”
“While this win is there, I have lot more to achieve,” she said echoing her desires going forward.
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