All Hail The Queen! Divya Gets A Royal Homecoming
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The 19-year-old Divya, who went to Batumi as an International Master (IM), came home as a Grandmaster — the third from the city after Raunak Sadhwani and Sankalp Gupta. In the final, Divya defeated India No.1 Koneru Humpy to win the World Cup and also secure a spot in the Candidates tournament.
With a hat-trick of achievements in just 27 days, Divya made every Nagpurian feel proud and was deservingly accorded a rousing welcome at Nagpur International Airport on Wednesday night.
Hundreds of school students, her classmates, friends, relatives, sports administrators, and fans gathered at the airport long before the arrival of her flight. Many held banners and placards bearing her name and achievements, while others played dhols and drums, ready to welcome the champion with unmatched enthusiasm.
As Divya stepped out of the arrival gate, chants of 'Divya, Divya', and 'Nagpur ki shaan' filled the air.
She was immediately surrounded by her fans, who showered her with rose petals and draped her in garlands. The young champion, who couldn't stop smiling from ear to ear at the love showered on her, appeared visibly moved by the thunderous welcome. Humbled by the love and admiration pouring in from every corner of the city, Divya thanked her city and her parents, who stood by her at all times, inspiring her to give it her all and never back down.
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Massive banners with her image and congratulatory messages adorned the airport premises. Chants of 'Jai Hind!' rang out as her supporters marched alongside her. She was flanked by her proud family and several dignitaries, including MLC Parinay Fuke, who is also president of Maharashtra Chess Association, former mayor Dayashankar Tiwari, former MP Ajay Sancheti, former MLC Girish Vyas, and district sports officer Pallavi Dhatrak.
As Divya met relatives near the exit gate, many embraced her with teary eyes, celebrating both the victory and the pride she brought to Nagpur.
Divya's journey — from playing chess in small local competitions to becoming a World Cup winner — has now become an inspiration for thousands of young minds across the country. Her win not only marks a personal triumph but has firmly placed Nagpur on the global chess map. The state govt has announced a grand felicitation for the champion at the Suresh Bhat Hall on August 2, where chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, and other bigwigs of the state are expected.
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