19-year-old defeats GM Koneru Humpy in historic all-Indian final, earns Grandmaster title and spot in 2025 Candidates Tournament
New Delhi, July 29, 2025
In a monumental achievement for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup, defeating veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a dramatic tie-breaker finale held in Batumi, Georgia.
In a gripping all-Indian final, both classical games ended in gritty draws, leading the match to rapid tie-breaks. It was in the second rapid game that Deshmukh (from Nagpur) made her move. Playing with black pieces, she took advantage of a catastrophic error Humpy (the former World Rapid Champion) made in the end, she won the game and the match.
In doing so, Deshmukh is now the holder of the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup trophy and has achieved the Grandmaster (GM) title as one of the youngest Indian women to do so. Deshmukh’s victory ensures her position in the 2025 Candidates Tournament, where she will one day attempt to qualify for the next Women’s World Championship.
The chess community in India heartily celebrated in response to Humpy Deshmukh’s recent success. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Deshmukh and commended her “tenacity and mindfulness,” while chess giant Viswanathan Anand trumpeted her calm disposition in her crucial games, deeming it a clear indication of a “new era” in Indian chess. For 38-year-old Humpy, this silver medal is just another prestigious award, but it continues to demonstrate the strength and depth of the women chess players in India. Deshmukh’s win arrives just after R Praggnanandhaa’s high-profile run to the men’s World Cup Final last year, putting India square on the map of global chess. In a press conference following the win, Deshmukh, who teared up during portions of the interview, dedicated the moment to her coaches and family: “This is proof that when we work hard and dream with a purpose, our dreams manifest into reality.”
Deshmukh’s success is a personal milestone, as well as a new chapter for Indian women on the international chess scene.
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