'They treat their players like superstars': American GM lauds Indian chess scene, slams US system

American Grandmaster Hans Niemann has caused a stir in the chess world with his recent comments praising India’s support for its chess players. He said that the Indian government and federation treat their players like superstars, while he criticised the system in the United States, accusing them of sabotaging their own.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 22-year-old said, “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.”

More from Chess

Why Niemann lauded Indian chess scene?

Niemann’s comment came shortly after India's newest Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh received a Rs 3 crore cash prize from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for winning the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, becoming the first Indian woman to do so.

Divya defeated veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a dramatic all-Indian final held in Batumi, Georgia. Thanks to her victory, she was awarded the Grandmaster title, bypassing the usual technical requirements. It was a big moment for Indian chess.

Earlier that week, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had also honoured both Divya and Humpy in New Delhi. He called their achievement a proud moment for the whole country. Divya is India’s 88th Grandmaster, and only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this title after Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R Vaishali.

When India's D Gukesh became the World Chess Champion last year after defeating China's Ding Liren, he received a similar reception in the country. He was honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, felicitated by the Sports Ministry, and awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and a cash prize of Rs 5 crore by the Tamil Nadu government.

Earlier, R Praggnanandhaa also returned home to a hero’s welcome after finishing as runner-up at the 2023 FIDE World Cup in Baku, where he narrowly lost to Magnus Carlsen in a nail-biting tiebreak final. He was also honoured by PM Modi, awarded a Rs 30 lakh cash prize by Tamil Nadu government and received an electric car from the owner of Mahindra.