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In a historic and emotionally charged finale at the 2025 FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh stunned the chess world by becoming the first Indian woman to lift the prestigious title. Held in Batumi, Georgia, this landmark achievement not only established Divya as a Grandmaster but also carved her name into the annals of Indian sporting history.
From her roots in Nagpur, Maharashtra, to defeating a chess legend like Koneru Humpy, Divya’s triumph was the culmination of years of dedication, strategy, and resilience. More than a victory, it was a symbolic moment for India — a nation fast emerging as a powerhouse in the global chess arena.
A Defining Moment: Divya Deshmukh Becomes India’s First Women’s World Cup Champion
The final showdown between Divya Deshmukh and veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy was nothing short of a chess masterclass. Following two classical games that ended in tense draws, the match went into rapid tie-breaks. In a contest defined by nerves, split-second decisions, and sheer determination, Divya clinched the championship with a 1.5–0.5 win in the rapid format.
The decisive moment came in the second rapid game where Divya, playing with Black, capitalised on Humpy’s time pressure and navigated the complexities of the endgame with poise and precision. The victory not only earned her the title but also the coveted Grandmaster designation — making her India’s 88th GM and only the fourth Indian woman to attain the highest title in chess.
An Emotional Victory in Batumi
The final moments of the match were as heartwarming as they were historic. As the final handshake concluded, Divya, overwhelmed with emotion, embraced her mother, who had been her pillar of support. With tears streaming down her face and the chessboard still in view, Divya reflected, “It’s hard for me to speak now. Of course, this means a lot. But I hope this is just the beginning.”
Interestingly, amid the cheers, one object stood out — an untouched banana. This seemingly mundane fruit had followed Divya throughout the tournament, becoming a curious and endearing symbol of her journey. When asked about it, she quipped, “What else am I going to do with the banana? I'm going to eat it, obviously.” Yet, in match after match, the banana remained uneaten — a silent witness to a young champion’s rise.
Who Is Divya Deshmukh?
Born on December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, Divya Deshmukh began playing chess at the tender age of five. Her prodigious talent was evident early on, as she dominated age-group tournaments, both nationally and internationally.
Her parents, Dr. Namrata and Dr. Jitendra Deshmukh, both doctors, encouraged a disciplined lifestyle, enabling Divya to balance her academic and chess commitments with remarkable poise. She completed her schooling at Bhavans Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir, and currently pursues distance education while also engaging in online studies in sports psychology, performance science, and data analytics — all aligned with her goal to become a complete modern athlete.
🇮🇳 Divya Deshmukh, just 19 years old, is the Winner of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup! 🏆
With this incredible victory, she:
✨ Becomes a Grandmaster
✨ Secures a spot at the next Women’s Candidates#FIDEWorldCup @DivyaDeshmukh05 pic.twitter.com/fNlkRrzvr1— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 28, 2025
Indian 🇮🇳 Teenagers are dominating the Chess World! ❤️
18-year-old Gukesh wins the World Championship and 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh wins the World Cup! 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/vSJ2Gvnk7L— Rakesh Kulkarni (@itherocky) July 28, 2025
Chess Journey: From Child Prodigy to Global Champion
Divya’s rise through the chess ranks has been meteoric:
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2012: National U‑7 Champion
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2014: World U‑10 Champion (Durban)
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2017: World U‑12 Champion (Brazil)
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2021: Awarded the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title
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2023: Became an International Master (IM)
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2023: Won the Asian Women’s Championship in Almaty and Tata Steel India Women’s Rapid, defeating reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun
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2024: Won the World U‑20 Girls Championship with a score of 10/11 and played a key role in India’s gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest
Despite not having a single Grandmaster norm before the World Cup, Divya defied the odds and clinched the title outright — an exceptionally rare feat in the chess world.
The Final Match: Strategy, Composure, and Brilliance
- Tiebreak Game 1: Missed Opportunity, Enduring Spirit
The first rapid game of the final began with Divya opening with 1.e4. In a surprise move, Humpy countered with the Petroff Defence, specifically choosing 6…Bf5, a line she had used against Divya before.
As the game unfolded, both players traded blows in a complex battle centered around an isolated queen’s pawn. The tension peaked when Humpy blundered with 33…Re7, allowing Divya to mount a decisive tactical threat. However, in the crucial moment, Divya missed the winning line and the game ended in a draw.
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who provided live commentary, noted: “A big missed chance for Divya, but her composure was remarkable.”
- Tiebreak Game 2: Triumph Under Pressure
With the championship on the line, the second game saw Humpy open with the Catalan Opening. Divya countered aggressively with the sharp 4…dxc4, 5…Bb4+ variation — a line known for creating complex imbalances.
As the game progressed, Humpy’s clock became her biggest enemy. Under immense time pressure, she blundered with 41.d5?, and Divya pounced with 41…Qe5! to seize the initiative. Despite a few tense moments and mutual inaccuracies, Divya transitioned into a winning endgame.
After 69.h7, Humpy’s position crumbled, and six moves later, she resigned — crowning Divya as the new Queen of 64 Squares.
"Humpy just collapsed and it was totally self-inflicted. There was no need for e4 and d5. This is just one of those situations where your nerves get the better of you and there's nothing you can do.", Viswanathan Anand.
A Grandmaster Without Norms: A Rare Feat
Traditionally, to earn the Grandmaster title, a player must secure three GM norms and a FIDE rating of 2500+. Divya, however, achieved it in a single stroke — by winning a major FIDE event. She now joins the ranks of Humpy Koneru, Dronavalli Harika, and R Vaishali as the only Indian women Grandmasters — but stands alone in doing so through a World Cup victory.
Reflecting on her unique path, Divya said,
“I think it was fate. Before this tournament, I didn’t even have one GM norm. Now I’m a Grandmaster.”
Recognition, Rewards and What Lies Ahead
Following her win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her on X (formerly Twitter):
“It’s been a phenomenal day for Indian Chess! Divya Deshmukh has not only won the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup but also become a Grandmaster. Her accomplishment will inspire millions.”
Divya took home a $50,000 prize, and with endorsements, sponsorships, and tournament bonuses, her net worth is estimated between ₹7–8 crore. She now prepares for her next monumental challenge — the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, which will determine the next challenger for the Women’s World Championship.
A historic final featuring two outstanding Indian chess players!
Proud of the young Divya Deshmukh on becoming FIDE Women's World Chess Champion 2025. Congratulations to her for this remarkable feat, which will inspire several youngsters.
Koneru Humpy has also displayed… pic.twitter.com/l7fWeA3qLw— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 28, 2025
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup: A Tournament of Titans
Hosted in Batumi, Georgia, from July 6 to July 28, 2025, the World Cup featured 107 players from 46 countries, including 17 of the world’s top 20 women players. The stakes were high: a $50,000 prize and three spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Divya follows in the footsteps of past champions GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (2021) and GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (2023) — and becomes only the third woman ever to win the title.
The Rise of a New Icon
Divya Deshmukh’s 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup victory marks a pivotal moment in Indian sports. More than a triumph of skill, it is a story of resilience, clarity under pressure, and youthful brilliance. At just 19, she has not only become a Grandmaster and world champion but also a role model for aspiring players across the country.
From a child prodigy to an international icon, Divya’s journey is proof that the future of Indian chess is bright — and perhaps, even golden.
And yes, the banana made it too.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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