Georgia
Chess: Divya Deshmukh Becomes Fourth Indian Woman Grandmaster After Historic World Cup Victory: In a monumental moment for Indian chess, Divya Deshmukh clinched the FIDE Women’s World Cup title, becoming the first Indian woman to win this prestigious championship. The dramatic final took place over three intense days in Batumi, Georgia, where Divya triumphed over fellow Indian and seasoned Grandmaster Koneru Humpy with a final score of 2.5–1.5.
The match was a true test of nerves. After two classical games ended in draws on Saturday and Sunday, the contest moved into the tiebreaks. The first rapid game of the tiebreak also ended in a draw, heightening the suspense. However, in the second rapid game, Divya, playing with the black pieces, held her ground and secured a brilliant victory — a moment that left the 19-year-old visibly emotional.
Joins Elite League of Indian Women Grandmasters
With this remarkable win, Divya Deshmukh becomes the fourth Indian woman to earn the Grandmaster title, joining the ranks of Koneru Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and R Vaishali. Globally, she is now the 88th woman to receive the Grandmaster title, reinforcing India’s growing prominence in the world of chess.
This victory not only marks a personal milestone but also earns her a coveted spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament — the next step toward challenging current Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun of China.
A Rising Star in a Golden Era for Indian Chess
Divya’s triumph adds to a string of stellar performances by Indian chess prodigies. Recent months have witnessed major successes from D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi, who continue to place India at the heart of global chess conversations.
National Recognition and Praise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in congratulating Divya. In a heartfelt social media post, he wrote:
He also applauded Koneru Humpy for her exceptional performance throughout the tournament, noting her dedication and consistency on the global stage.
Divya Deshmukh’s meteoric rise symbolizes a new era for Indian chess, where young talent is not just emerging but dominating on the world stage. As she prepares for the Candidates Tournament, fans across the country will undoubtedly be cheering her on — and watching history unfold once again.
