India's Chess Champions Shine: Women's and Open Teams Win National Team of the Year at Sportstar Aces Awards 2025

The world of chess in India has recently hit a high note, with excitement surging after the Sportstar Aces Awards 2025 celebrated the extraordinary achievements of the country's Women's and Open teams.

Both teams were awarded the prestigious honor of National Team of the Year, following their triumphant double-gold performances at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest.

This recognition not only highlights the teams' remarkable prowess on the international stage but also showcases the growing prominence of chess in India and the spirits of its players.

Among those honored were two standout players, IM Divya Deshmukh and Tania Sachdev, who have vigorously championed the sport through their exemplary performances and dedicated advocacy.

Divya was rightly recognized as the Sportswoman of the Year for Non-Olympic Sports, achieving this milestone through her outstanding contributions and being ranked as the world’s highest female player under
20.

Meanwhile, Tania's receipt of the BBC Changemaker Award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to promoting chess, particularly within underrepresented communities.

Together, these two champions express deep gratitude for their accolades while emphasizing their determination to inspire future generations through chess.

Key Takeaways

• India's Women's and Open chess teams won the National Team of the Year award at the Sportstar Aces Awards
  2025.
• IM Divya Deshmukh was honored as Sportswoman of the Year for her outstanding performance in chess.
• Tania Sachdev's advocacy for chess earned her the BBC Changemaker Award, highlighting the sport's broader impact.

Achievements of India's Chess Teams

### Achievements of India's Chess Teams Chess in India has been on a remarkable trajectory, proving that it is not just a game of strategy but also a vital contributor to national pride and global recognition.

At the recent Sportstar Aces Awards 2025 held in Mumbai, both the Women's and Open chess teams were honored with the prestigious National Team of the Year award for their historic achievements, most notably their double-gold victories at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

This remarkable feat not only showcased the extraordinary talent of Indian chess players but also signified a turning point in the nation’s sporting history.

Among the standout players was International Master Divya Deshmukh, who was celebrated as Sportswoman of the Year for Non-Olympic sports.

At just 20 years old, she has become the world's highest-ranked female player in her age category, earning accolades for her stellar performance and dedication to the sport.

In her acceptance speech, Divya emphasized the significance of teamwork, stating how the combined efforts of the team led to their monumental success at the Olympiad.

Her passion for chess is not just about winning; it's about inspiring future generations and fostering a deep love for the game.

Adding to the accolades, Tania Sachdev received the esteemed BBC Changemaker Award in recognition of her significant contributions to chess, particularly around advocacy and efforts to promote the sport.

Tania shared her excitement about the acknowledgment and reiterated her commitment to using her platform to motivate others to engage with chess.

Both of these prominent players firmly believe that chess can teach valuable life lessons—discipline, strategy, and perseverance—making it more than just a board game.

As India continues to rise in the global chess arena, the achievements of these teams and their players serve as a beautifully woven narrative of dedication, teamwork, and ambition.

Recognizing such accomplishments not only boosts morale among chess enthusiasts but also encourages young talents across the country to dream big and strive for excellence in their pursuits.

Recognition of Individual Players and Advocacy

The importance of promoting chess in India cannot be understated, as it paves the way for not only individual growth but also national pride.

At the Sportstar Aces Awards 2025 in Mumbai, this sentiment was palpable when both the Women's and Open chess teams stood tall as they claimed the National Team of the Year award.

Their triumphant journey at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where they clinched double gold medals, was a universal testament to the power of unshakeable teamwork and dedication.

IM Divya Deshmukh's recognition as Sportswoman of the Year for Non-Olympic sports reflects her personal journey of hard work and perseverance—an inspiration to countless young players.

Equally commendable, Tania Sachdev's reception of the BBC Changemaker Award serves as a reminder of the transformative impact advocacy can have in sports.

Together, these achievements illuminate a brighter future for chess in India, encouraging budding talents to embrace the game and its lessons.