NEW DELHI: In a historic performance that has electrified the global chess community, India’s Divya Deshmukh defeated World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the Blitz Semifinals of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship 2025 held in London. The 19-year-old prodigy from Nagpur showcased nerves of steel and tactical brilliance, clinching a 74-move victory in a tense rook-vs-bishop endgame that has now become the talk of the chess world.
Divya’s win came during the second leg of the Blitz semifinal match, representing Hexamind Chess Club. The team eventually secured the bronze medal in Blitz and a silver in the Rapid format. Her personal medal haul includes team silver (Rapid), team bronze (Blitz), and individual bronze—a phenomenal feat for a first-timer at this global stage.
Divya Reacts
Following her performance, Divya shared her excitement on social media, writing:
“Finally, what seemed like an eternity is over—World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships! Team finished second in rapid and third in blitz. Had an amazing experience with the team!”
The humble reflection belies the scale of her accomplishment—this was her first-ever win against Hou Yifan across all formats, and it came when the stakes were at their highest.
The Winning Moment
The match, which unfolded at London’s Novotel West on June 15, saw Divya maintain impeccable focus against the top-seeded Hou, one of the most formidable forces in women’s chess. Observers praised her for her calm under pressure and precise calculation, especially during the endgame phase where many expected the more experienced Chinese Grandmaster to prevail.
ChessBase India captured the moment in a widely shared video titled “Divya Deshmukh beats World No. 1 Hou Yifan | World Blitz Teams 2025”, showing the young Indian Grandmaster navigate an intense position with maturity well beyond her years.
Reactions Pour In
Social media erupted with praise for the teenager from Maharashtra. Among the first to respond was Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
Congratulations to our very own Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur, Maharashtra! 🎉♟️🇮🇳
What an extraordinary moment as she defeats World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the Blitz Semifinals, London 2025.
Her fearless moves, sharp focus, and unshakable determination have not only secured a historic… pic.twitter.com/vSDchMaP2y— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 18, 2025
“Indian chess has found a new queen.”
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also extended congratulations, calling it a “stunning win over World No. 1.”
Chess lovers across India hailed the victory as a defining moment in India’s rise as a global chess powerhouse—part of a broader wave that has seen Indian players consistently make their mark at international tournaments.
The Championship
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship 2025, held June 14–15, saw some of the best teams from around the world compete in both Rapid and Blitz formats. Hexamind Chess Club, Divya’s team, performed strongly throughout. In the Blitz format, they secured the bronze medal, while WR Chess Team took the gold. In the Rapid format, Hexamind clinched the silver, narrowly missing the top spot.
Divya’s overall Blitz record was impressive—6 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 loss—cementing her as one of the top performers of the tournament.
With this win over Hou Yifan and her commanding presence at London 2025, Divya Deshmukh has not just won a game—she has sent a clear signal to the chess world that a new Indian queen is on the rise.
