19-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur made history by winning the final of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup held in Batumi, Georgia. In a ‘passing of the torch’ moment, Divya defeated fellow Indian Koneru Humpy, who had become India’s first female Grandmaster in 2002. With this victory, Divya became the 88th Grandmaster from India and only the fourth Indian woman to earn this prestigious title. She secured victory with a 1.5-0.5 score in the tiebreakers.
After two draws in the classic games, the match went to tiebreaks. In the first game, Divya played with the white pieces and created several chances to win, but was unable to convert her advantage. Despite Humpy’s mistakes, the 19-year-old could not capitalise on the opportunities and the game ended in a draw. After the first tiebreaker, Divya told the official broadcaster of FIDE that the previous game did not go her way, and that she got into a “mess for no reason.”
However, she bounced back in the second game, defeating 38-year-old Koneru Humpy, the reigning World Rapid Chess Champion and current World No. 5, to become the first Indian woman to win the World Cup. Both finalists have qualified for the upcoming 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, a crucial step towards competing for the World Chess Championship. Entering the tournament as the 15th seed, Divya outplayed several stronger, higher-ranked opponents on her way to the title, displaying exceptional tactical skill and determination.
Divya’s mother, a doctor, stood by her side during her moment of glorious victory. Overcome with emotion, the two exchanged a heartfelt hug. “It’s hard for me to speak right now. It definitely means a lot, but of course, there’s a lot more to achieve,” said Divya. “I’m hoping this is just the start.” She stated that she believed her win was fate because, before the tournament, she had not even achieved a GM norm, let alone her victory in the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
Divya Deshmukh celebrating her win with her mother. Photo: X/@FIDE_chess
A GM norm is earned by delivering a high-level performance in a FIDE-rated tournament; typically over nine games against strong, international opponents, including at least 3 Grandmasters. Divya’s rating also did not meet the required rating (a standard 2600) to be eligible for the coveted title. Yet, by winning this prestigious event, she bypassed all the usual FIDE requirements, thus emerging as the 44th female Grandmaster in the world. Prior to this, Divya has won several gold medals across major international events, including the World Youth Championship, Asian Championship, and World Junior Championships.
Divya’s victory marks a historic milestone in Indian chess and has been widely celebrated, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who tweeted: “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. Congratulations to her. Her accomplishment will motivate many people and contribute to chess becoming even more popular among the youth.” Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, also congratulated her, stating, “This is a moment of joy and pride not only for Nagpur and Maharashtra, but also for the entire country.” Divya will now set her sights on the upcoming Grand Swiss tournament in Uzbekistan this September.
