In a stunning display of skill and composure, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh has emerged victorious at the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025, held in Batumi, Georgia. This momentous win not only marks her as the first Indian woman to clinch the prestigious title but also earns her the coveted Grandmaster (GM) title, making her India's 88th Grandmaster. She is only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this milestone.
Deshmukh's journey to the top was nothing short of extraordinary. Entering the tournament as the 15th seed, she defied expectations by defeating a string of higher-ranked opponents. Her path to the final included impressive victories against Zhu Jiner (2nd seed) in the fourth round, Harika Dronavalli (10th seed) in the quarterfinals, and Tan Zhongyi (3rd seed) in the semifinals.
The final showdown saw her face off against Koneru Humpy, India's top-ranked female chess player and a seasoned veteran. After two hard-fought classical games that ended in a 1-1 tie, the fate of the World Cup rested on rapid tiebreak matches. The first rapid game concluded in a draw, intensifying the pressure. In the second and decisive rapid game, Deshmukh, playing with the black pieces, demonstrated remarkable resilience and capitalized on errors made by Humpy, who was struggling with time pressure.
The climactic game saw Humpy falter in the endgame, making critical mistakes that Deshmukh swiftly exploited to secure the win. This victory triggered emotional scenes as Deshmukh, overcome with joy, was seen in tears, embraced by her family. Her remarkable achievement was not only a personal triumph but also a moment of immense pride for Indian chess.
Deshmukh's victory secures her a spot in the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament. Her performance at the World Cup also earned her the final Grandmaster norm required for the title. The usual path to earning the GM title involves achieving a rating of 2500 and securing three GM norms in international tournaments. However, winning specific elite competitions, such as the FIDE Women's World Cup, also guarantees the title.
This win signifies a new era for Indian chess, highlighting the rise of a new generation of talent on the global stage. Several Indian players are making waves in the chess world. D. Gukesh is the reigning World Chess Champion. In June 2025, India boasted over 85 Grandmasters and numerous players consistently participating in top-tier tournaments. In fact, the top 10 active Indian chess players have an average rating of 2725, which is the second-highest globally, just behind the United States. This highlights India's growing prominence as a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.
