Quick Read
- 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh won the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating Koneru Humpy in tie-breaks.
- Divya became India’s fourth female Grandmaster despite having no prior GM norms.
- The dramatic final highlighted the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage.
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh claimed the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup title after a nail-biting final against her compatriot and chess legend Koneru Humpy. The final, held in Batumi, Georgia, on July 28, marked a generational clash between the young prodigy and the seasoned veteran, culminating in a tie-break victory for Divya. With this win, Divya not only etched her name in the annals of chess history but also became India’s fourth female Grandmaster.
A Historic Journey to the Title
Divya’s path to glory was anything but ordinary. Ranked 15th at the start of the tournament, she defied expectations by outclassing several elite opponents to reach the final. The championship match against Humpy, India’s first female Grandmaster and reigning World Rapid Champion, was a battle of nerves, skill, and resilience.
The two classical games of the final, played over the weekend, ended in draws, with Divya lamenting missed opportunities in the first game. As she admitted, “That draw felt like a loss to me.” The second game, too, saw both players locked in a strategic stalemate, setting the stage for the rapid tie-breaks on Monday.
The Dramatic Tie-Breaks
The tie-breaks were a test of endurance and mental fortitude. The first rapid game ended in a draw after 81 moves, with neither player able to capitalize on their positions. However, the second rapid game proved decisive. Humpy, under severe time pressure, made a critical blunder by pushing a pawn on move 69, which allowed Divya to gain a decisive advantage. Six moves later, Humpy resigned, and Divya was crowned champion.
Viswanathan Anand, India’s chess icon, described the final as “dramatic,” noting that Humpy’s errors were “self-inflicted.” The emotional climax saw Divya breaking down in tears as she embraced her mother, a moment that captured the magnitude of her achievement.
A Grandmaster Against All Odds
Divya’s triumph was historic not only because of the title but also due to her unique path to becoming a Grandmaster. Unlike most players who achieve the title through three GM norms and a FIDE rating of 2500 or above, Divya entered the tournament without any norms. Her victory automatically elevated her to Grandmaster status, making her the 88th Indian to achieve this feat and only the fourth Indian woman to do so.
Reflecting on her journey, Divya said, “I think it was fate getting the Grandmaster title this way. Before this tournament, I didn’t even have one norm. I was just looking for where I could achieve one norm, and now I am a Grandmaster.”
Significance for Indian Chess
Divya’s victory is a monumental moment for Indian chess. Coming just a year after she won the World Junior Championship and led India to a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, this win solidifies her status as a rising star in the chess world. It also highlights the growing dominance of Indian players on the global stage, with both finalists hailing from India.
Humpy, who had once held the record as the youngest female Grandmaster, graciously acknowledged Divya’s performance, calling her a worthy champion. The match also served as a testament to the depth of talent in Indian chess, with players like Divya poised to carry the legacy forward.
With her qualification for the Women’s Candidates Tournament next year, Divya has her sights set on even greater achievements. As she put it, “This means a lot, but there’s a lot more to achieve. I’m hoping this is just the start.”
Divya Deshmukh’s triumph is a beacon of inspiration for young chess players worldwide, proving that determination and hard work can overcome even the most formidable challenges.