In a spectacular all‑Indian final held in Batumi, Georgia, Divya Deshmukh, just 19 years old, stunned veteran Koneru Humpy to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025—making her the first Indian woman ever to lift this coveted title .
Final Face‑off: Classical Drama and Rapid Decider
The final began with two classical games, both ending in hard‑fought draws. Game 1 saw Divya build an early edge as White but saw Humpy equalize in a tense 41‑move draw. Game 2 remained balanced as well, with Humpy pressing but Divya defending resiliently and steering the match into the tiebreaks.
In the rapid tiebreaks, Divya played the first game as White, which ended in a draw. The decisive moment came in the second rapid game, playing with Black. She punished a critical endgame slip from Humpy, gradually building advantage before Humpy resigned on move 75. Divya’s nerve and precision under pressure sealed the title 1.5–0.5.
Beyond the Title: Grandmaster, Candidates, and the Chess Legacy
This triumph secured Divya’s final GM norm, confirming she has officially become a Grandmaster—India’s 88th, and only the fourth Indian woman ever to achieve the title. She also qualifies for the upcoming Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, where the winner gets the chance to challenge the reigning world champion, Ju Wenjun.
Poised Under Pressure: Praise Inside and Outside the Chess World
Her former coach, Srinath Narayanan, compared Divya’s calm in clutch moments to legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, commending her composure, discipline, and tactical sharpness.
Master Viswanathan Anand lauded the final as an inspiring showcase of Indian chess, calling it an “amazing battle of nerves”, and congratulated both Divya for her rise and Humpy for her enduring fighting spirit.
Snapshot: Divya Deshmukh at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 9, 2005 (Nagpur, Maharashtra) |
| Titles | Woman Grandmaster (2021), International Master (2023), Grandmaster (2025) |
| Key Achievements | First Indian woman to win FIDE Women’s World Cup, fourth Indian woman GM, Qualified for Candidates 2026 |
| Recent Highlights | Asian Women’s Champion, Tata Steel Rapid winner over Ju Wenjun, World U‑20 Girls Champion 2024 |
Why This Moment Resonates
- Symbolic Breakthrough: Divya now holds a title no Indian woman has before.
- Generational Shift: She overcame Humpy—a seasoned legend—in a high-stakes, pressure-packed final.
- Mental Fortitude: Strong defensive play in classical games and icy composure in rapid deciders set her apart.
- Academic Balance: Even amidst a demanding chess calendar, Divya continued structured learning—focused on sports psychology and data analytics—to elevate her game and mindset.
Final Reflections
From Nagpur schoolgirl to chess world champion, Divya Deshmukh’s rise is cinematic: crowned the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 champion and officially a Grandmaster at just 19. More than a personal victory, this win is a celebration of Indian women’s chess. The calm, collected, and cerebral approach she demonstrated foreshadows a luminous career ahead. As she prepares for the Candidates Tournament, the chess world will continue watching a young star confidently rewriting her nation’s legacy.
Congratulations, Divya Deshmukh. Your journey is just beginning.
