Baku, July 28, 2025: In a landmark achievement for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating compatriot Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final. The Nagpur-born prodigy clinched the title with a 1.5–0.5 victory in the rapid tie-breaks, capping a stunning performance in Baku.
The classical games over the weekend ended in gripping draws, with both players displaying top-tier skill. In Saturday’s opener, Divya, playing white, gained an edge but allowed Humpy to level the score late. Sunday’s second game saw Divya navigate a self-inflicted scare, as she noted, “I wandered into trouble for no apparent reason,” before securing a draw.
The rapid tie-breaks proved decisive. After a drawn first game, Humpy, a two-time World Rapid Champion and world No. 5 in classical chess, faltered under time pressure in the second, handing Divya the opportunity to seal the victory with precise play. The win not only crowned Divya the 2025 Women’s World Cup champion but also marked her as India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman to achieve the title.
“It was fate,” Divya said, visibly moved. “I came here hoping for a Grandmaster norm, and now I’m a Grandmaster and the champion.”
Divya’s triumph defied expectations. Ranked No. 18 in classical, No. 22 in rapid, and No. 18 in blitz on the FIDE women’s list, she was the underdog against Humpy, a seasoned veteran. This victory adds to Divya’s meteoric rise, following her 2024 World Junior Championship win and individual gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she helped India secure team gold.
Divya’s historic feat cements her as a rising star and a beacon for Indian chess on the global stage.
Leave a Reply