'India treats their players like superstars, while America sabotages theirs': GM Hans Niemann sparks new debate
American Grandmaster (GM) Hans Niemann has ignited fresh controversy in the chess world with a striking statement on social media, contrasting India's growing support for chess talent with what he claims is a deeply flawed system in the United States.
'The Indian government and chess federation treats their players like superstars: supporting their development from an early age and rewarding them for their victories. While the American chess federation sabotages their own. The consequences will be very clear in 5–10 years,' 22-year-old Niemann wrote on X.
His comment comes just days after a landmark achievement in Indian chess.
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On Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis awarded Divya Deshmukh a Rs 3 crore cash prize at the Nagari Sanman Sohala ceremony in Nagpur.
The 19-year-old became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women's World Cup, defeating Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a dramatic final in Batumi, Georgia.
Also present at the event was Maharashtra Sports Minister Manikrao Shivajirao Kokate. Divya, beaming with pride, thanked CM Fadnavis and the people of Nagpur for their overwhelming support and recognition.
Earlier in the week, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated both Divya and Humpy in New Delhi, calling their achievement a moment of national pride.
Divya is now the 88th GM of India and only the fourth Indian woman to hold the prestigious title.
Reflecting on her win, Divya told IANS: 'I think this tournament has been the biggest task of resilience... It definitely tested my physical and emotional stamina… always fighting to the end… that has helped me a lot.'
The FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 not only marked India's dominance with an all-Indian final.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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