By: Tarunima Singh
NEW DELHI: In a landmark moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating none other than India’s top-ranked female player and reigning World Rapid Champion, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, in an intense all-Indian final.
With this victory, Divya not only clinched the prestigious World Cup title but also achieved her final Grandmaster norm, officially becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster — a remarkable milestone that underscores her meteoric rise in the global chess arena.
The final, hosted in Batumi, unfolded with two closely fought classical games, both ending in draws. The tension carried over into the rapid tiebreaks. The first rapid game remained evenly poised, but in the second, Divya demonstrated extraordinary composure, seizing on a minor error by Humpy to convert a complex endgame into a career-defining win.
APPRECIATION
In the aftermath of this historic triumph, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) hailed Divya’s achievement. AICF Secretary Mr. Dev Patel praised her poise and determination in an official statement:
“A hearty congratulations to you, Divya. You have done wonders and the whole nation is proud of you. At just 19 years, you have shown the world that age is just a number in chess. You are no less than anyone. Congratulations on becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster.”
He added,
“It’s a historic moment for all of us. Especially since this was an all-India final, and playing against the legendary GM Koneru Humpy must have been a high-pressure situation. On behalf of the All India Chess Federation, our state associations, the Government of India, and the people of Bharat – heartfelt congratulations. I am confident this is just the beginning of many more achievements to come.”
The final was more than just a clash of two elite players; it was a celebration of Indian chess’s rapid ascent on the world stage. An all-India final at such a significant global event signifies the country’s growing stature in international chess, particularly in the women’s circuit.
Divya Deshmukh’s journey to the top has been marked by resilience, tactical brilliance, and nerves of steel. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and navigate high-stakes games with maturity far beyond her years has made her a symbol of a new era in Indian chess — one where young players are leading the charge on the world stage.
In a landmark moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025.
Joining the celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Divya with a message that echoed the nation’s pride:
“It’s been a phenomenal day for Indian chess! Divya Deshmukh has not only won the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup but also become a Grandmaster. Congratulations to her. Her accomplishment will motivate many and contribute to chess becoming even more popular among the youth.”
As congratulations pour in from across the country and the chess world, Divya Deshmukh’s name now takes its place among the legends — not only as a champion but also as an inspiration for the future of Indian chess.
