NAGPUR: The Maharashtra government awarded Rs1 crore to Divya Deshmukh, who played a pivotal role in the Indian women team's historic title triumph at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, in Mumbai on Monday.
In accordance with the Government Resolution (GR) issued by the state government on October 7, sportspersons hailing from Maharashtra and their coaches who secure medals for India at various levels will be granted substantial monetary rewards. As per the GR, a gold medal winner at the Olympic Games will be richer by Rs5 crore, with their coach receiving 10% of the amount granted to the player. The GR also provides monetary incentives to podium finishers representing the country in various championships, including the World meets and Asian Games, both for individual and team sports.
The 16-member Indian open and women team scripted history at the recently concluded Chess Olympiad in Budapest, clinching gold medals. Four of the 16-member Indian contingent hailed from Maharashtra. While Nagpur's Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi from Nashik represented India as players, Abhijit Kunte of Pune and Nagpur's Sankalp Gupta served as coach and assistant coach respectively in Budapest.
On Monday, International Master (IM) Divya and Grandmaster Sankalp Gupta, were felicitated by chief minister Eknath Shinde and deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar at a function in Mumbai. Vidit and Divya were awarded Rs1 crore each for being part of India's gold-winning teams at the Chess Olympiad last month. The coaches of the chess teams - Abhijit Kunte and Sankalp - were awarded Rs10 lakh each.
Earlier this month, Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy had announced a cash reward of Rs25 lakh each for chess players Dronavalli Harika and Arjun Erigaisi, following the historic achievement at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad.
By awarding Rs1 crore, the Maharashtra government has given the biggest surprise to chess players. Both Divya and Sankalp were elated with the felicitation. In a chat with TOI, Divya said, "I am grateful to the Maharashtra govt for showering support on players. When we first heard the amount, we went into a pleasant surprise because of how much it was, and I thank them for this honour."
Sankalp, who is in London to play the Austrian League, said, "Really, really happy that the state govt gave recognition. This motivates not only me but all chess players that their efforts are recognised and rewarded."
