In a moment that has resonated throughout India and the global chess community, young Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh achieved a remarkable victory against World No. 1 Hou Yifan at the World Team Blitz Championships in London. This stunning upset has not only showcased Deshmukh's exceptional talent but has also drawn high praise from prominent figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The prestigious FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, which took place in London from June 10th to 16th, 2025, witnessed fierce competition among top chess teams from around the globe. Deshmukh, representing the Hexamind Chess Club, faced off against Hou Yifan of the WR Chess Team in the second leg of the blitz semifinal. Despite an earlier loss to Yifan in the first leg, Deshmukh demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical acumen to secure a crucial win.
The thrilling 74-move battle saw Deshmukh, playing with white pieces, capitalize on an opening advantage. By maintaining swift and strategic moves, she gained control of the clock and ultimately outmaneuvered Yifan, who blundered a bishop in a drawn rook versus bishop endgame. This victory not only avenged her previous loss but also highlighted Deshmukh's ability to perform under pressure against the world's best.
Following this historic win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Deshmukh's achievement, recognizing the significance of her victory and its inspirational impact on aspiring chess players. Taking to X, Modi congratulated Deshmukh, emphasizing her "grit and determination" and wishing her the best for future endeavors. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also extended his congratulations, acknowledging Deshmukh's stunning win.
Deshmukh's performance at the World Team Blitz Championships was nothing short of exceptional. In the blitz format, she secured six wins, one draw, and only one loss in eight games, achieving an impressive performance rating of 2606. Furthermore, she played a pivotal role in the third-place playoff, contributing to her team's victory over Uzbekistan and securing the bronze medal. In the rapid format, Deshmukh also demonstrated her prowess with five wins, six draws, and one loss, earning a team silver and an individual bronze on Board 6, with a performance rating of 2420.
Born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on December 9, 2005, Divya Deshmukh's journey in chess began at the age of five. Her early successes include winning the Under-7 National Championship in 2012 and world youth titles in the U-10 and U-12 categories. By October 2021, she had earned the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title, and in 2023, she achieved the International Master (IM) title. Trained under GM R.B. Ramesh at Chess Gurukul in Chennai, Deshmukh has consistently demonstrated her dedication and talent on the international stage.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Divya Deshmukh's career and serves as an inspiration to young chess players across India, particularly young women. It further underscores India's growing prominence in the world of chess, fueled by the success of talents like Deshmukh and the increasing presence of Indian players in international tournaments. The World Team Blitz Championships featured a total prize fund of 500,000 euros, with 190,000 euros allocated specifically for the blitz tournament.
