Maharashtra government felicitates Vidit Gujrathi, Divya Deshmukh; announces Rs 1 crore reward for each
Grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh each received Rs 1 crore in cash prizes after India’s exceptional performance at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary in September, where both the Open and Women’s teams secured gold medals. Abhijeet Kunte and Sankalp Gupta, who are the coaches of the two players, were each given Rs 10 lakh.
During the final round of the Olympiad, the Open team, with players like Vidit, Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh, won against Slovenia 3.5-0.5, while the Women’s Team, including Divya, R Vaishali and others, beat Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5.
Also read: Chess Olympiad: Charting the remarkable rise of D Gukesh in Chess world
Vidit expresses aspirations for greater success
Ace Chess player Vidit Gujrathi, became the fourth player in the country to reach a 2700 ELO rating. As a member of the Indian team that won gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, he expressed his satisfaction with the team’s victory but also revealed his aspirations for even greater success.
“It’s a good feeling (being part of the gold-winning team at the Olympiad), but nothing to be very happy about when I think of my own play. Because I have higher ambitions and I feel these things are just stepping stones,” the Grandmaster stated in an exclusive interview with New18 Sports.
Shooter Swapnil Kusale, Paralympian Sachin Khilari also honored
The Maharashtra government also felicitated Shooter Swapnil Kusale, who achieved bronze at the Paris Olympics, and Sachin Khilari, who secured silver in shot put at the Paris Paralympics. Dipali Deshpande and Arvind Chavan, the coaches of the pair, were also recognized for their efforts.
After the state government’s recent announcement of hike in prize money for athletes and coaches, Swapnil received 2 crore rupees, while his coach Dipali was given 20 lakh rupees. Sachin was given Rs 3 crore while his coach Arvind received a plaque along with Rs 30 lakh.
