In a display of exceptional talent, Indian chess Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh defeated world number one, Hou Yifan, at the World Team Blitz Championships held in London. This impressive victory in the second leg of the Blitz semifinal has drawn praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted Deshmukh’s determination and its inspirational impact on upcoming chess players. Deshmukh responded with gratitude to the Prime Minister’s recognition. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also offered his congratulations. India has been making waves in the chess world. D. Gukesh, the reigning World Champion and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award recipient, secured third place in the Norway Chess tournament, including a win against Magnus Carlsen. Arjun Erigaisi achieved a fifth-place finish. Aravindh Chithambaram won the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, while R Praggnanandhaa secured second place in the same tournament.
