Chess Champion Divya Deshmukh’s Giant Trophy Journey: From Gandhinagar to Nagpur

Nagpur-based chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh recently made headlines after winning the girls title at the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. However, it wasn’t just her impressive victory that caught people’s attention, but also the challenge of transporting her oversized trophy back home.

The ornate trophy, standing over four feet tall and weighing around three to four kgs, presented a unique logistical challenge for Divya. Jokingly, she shared that bringing the trophy from Gandhinagar to Nagpur was not the hardest part of the competition, but it was definitely up there. Despite the size of the trophy, Divya managed to bring it home with the help of airline staff who were accommodating.

The 18-year-old chess champion dominated the tournament, remaining undefeated in all 11 rounds and securing the top spot in the standings early on. She faced tough competition from players like WIM Mariam Mkrtchyan and Ayan Allahverdiyeva, but ultimately emerged victorious, solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of chess.

Reflecting on her performance, Divya shared that managing the pressure of expectations was a significant challenge, as many expected her to dominate the field due to her high rating. Despite the pressure, she focused on playing quality chess and staying true to her personal goals rather than outcome-based expectations.

Looking ahead, Divya has her sights set on becoming a grandmaster and further exploring her potential in chess. While she remains open to other career options, she is currently enjoying the journey and process of honing her skills in the game.

As she awaits her Standard XII results and navigates the challenge of finding space for her latest trophy, Divya’s dedication and passion for chess continue to shine through. Her recent victory serves as a testament to her talent and determination, setting the stage for a promising future in the world of competitive chess.