Divya Deshmukh: I knew I had to go all out against world No. 1 Hou Yifan

Nagpur, Jun 19 (PTI) Indian Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh on Thursday said she had to go “all out” to get the better of world No. 1 Hou Yifan in the FIDE World Blitz Team Chess Championship, a feat which drew praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Deshmukh defeated Yifan of China in the second leg of the semifinal at the FIDE World Blitz Team Championships held in London from June 10–16.

“I knew I had go all out, I would have been automatically scared if the thought of playing against World champion had crept into my mind. So, I did not matter whom I was playing against, I focused on the game and I only knew that I had to win the game," Deshmukh told PTI Video.

The 19-year-old from Nagpur said the PM’s words were very encouraging and motivating and she would look to continue to give her best. after the 18-year-old girl from Nagpur recorded the big win.

“Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh on defeating the World No. 1, Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London,” Modi wrote on X.

“Her success highlights her grit and determination. It also inspires many upcoming chess players. Best wishes for her future endeavours,” he added.

Asked about the Prime Minister’s praise for her, Deshmukh said, "I got a lot of encouragement and motivation by what Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote for me. He has been motivating sportspersons on multiple occasions. I will try to make him proud and get many more medals for India in the future.

"I am focused and my preparations are going on well and I would give my best and will try to bring medals in the future tournaments," she said. PTI CLS DDV PDS PDS