National Teams, Divya Deshmukh, Tania Sachdev Honored At Indian Award Ceremonies
India's chess stars continue to receive well-deserved recognition for their achievements, with two of the nation's brightest players, IMs Divya Deshmukh and Tania Sachdev, being honored with awards this week. The national teams were also celebrated.
India became firmly established as a chess powerhouse last year thanks to its double-gold victory in the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest and GM Gukesh Dommaraju's triumph in Singapore to claim the world championship title. The celebrations have not stopped, and last week was no exception, as two awards ceremonies honored the nation's chess stars for their outstanding achievements.
At the 2025 Sportstar Aces Awards in Mumbai this weekend, the Indian Open and Women's teams won National Team of the Year for their historic double-gold at the Olympiad. GMs Vidit Gujrathi and Srinath Narayanan received the award on behalf of the Open team, while Divya, IM Vantika Agrawal, and coach GM Abhijit Kunte were present to receive the award for the Women's category.
India's first-ever Olympiad gold-medal-winning men's side is honoured with the #SSAces2025 National Team of the Year! pic.twitter.com/XPIvHQa0zz
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) February 14, 2025
At the same awards ceremony, Divya was handed the Sportswoman Of The Year award for Non-Olympic sports. "She once defeated her opponent in record time, and still managed to go home and finish her homework," host Cyrus Sahukar said.
She once defeated her opponent in record time, and managed to go home and finish her homework.
—Award host Cyrus Sahukar on Divya Deshmukh
The 19-year-old, who last year boldly called out sexism in the chess world, is the world's highest-ranked female player under 20 with a rating of 2490. She is the 2024 FIDE Girls World Junior Champion and was a part of the Indian Women's team that won gold in Budapest. She also took home an individual gold medal for her performance.
On her Instagram account, Divya said she was "grateful and honoured" for the recognition, adding: "This achievement is a reflection of hard work, dedication, and the support of my incredible team, family, and fans."
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Another major honor went to Sachdev, who was recognized at the 2024 BBC Indian Sportswoman Of The Year Awards in Delhi with the BBC Changemaker Award for her contributions to chess both as a player and an advocate for the sport.
The 38-year-old IM, Chess.com commentator, and Indian face of chess, has been instrumental in promoting chess through her work as a presenter and host on various broadcasts. She was also key in contributing to India's gold in Budapest, scoring an unbeaten 3.5/5 on board five.
"Chess has given me purpose and shaped so much of the woman I am. If in any way my journey pushes you to chase your dreams and never give up, that is a privilege and makes me so happy," she said, thanking BBC India for the honor, and adding, "I’ll keep working to make a difference through our beautiful game."
Chess has given me purpose and shaped so much of the woman I am. If in any way my journey pushes you to chase your dreams and never give up, that is a privilege and makes me so happy. Thank you @BBCIndia for this honor - I’ll keep working to make a difference through our… pic.twitter.com/CP7hYNg3ak
— Tania Sachdev (@TaniaSachdev) February 19, 2025
The Indian star was praised on X/Twitter by All India Chess Federation President Nitin Narang, who wrote: "Your dedication to chess and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers continue to inspire and empower many. A well-deserved honour for a true game-changer!!"
GM Koneru Humpy , who recently claimed her second Women's World's Rapid Championship, previously won the BBC Indian Sportswoman of The Year in 2021. She's unlikely to be the last chess player to do so.
