Chennai | July 28, 2025 : In a historic moment for Indian chess, Divya Deshmukh has become the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup. The 19-year-old beat Indian chess legend Koneru Humpy in a thrilling final that went into rapid tie-breakers. With this win, Divya also earned the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, a dream for every chess player.

The final match was closely contested. Both players played two classical games, which ended in a draw. The winner was decided through two rapid tie-breaker games. In the second game, Humpy made a crucial mistake in the 54th move, which allowed Divya to take the lead. Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who was following the game live, pointed out the error and said it could be the turning point.

Despite some nervous moments, including a risky 42nd move earlier by Divya, she kept her calm and used her time advantage wisely. Humpy fought hard but had less than three minutes left in the final stages. In the end, she had no choice but to resign. Divya had won — with the black pieces — and the crowd erupted in applause.

An Emotional Moment
After the match, Divya was seen in tears, hugging her mother. She shared her feelings with the media, saying,

“I need time to process this. I didn’t even have one GM norm before this tournament. It feels like fate. I hope this is just the beginning.”

Her win not only gives her the World Cup title and GM title, but also a spot in the upcoming Candidates Tournament, the next major step towards the Women’s World Chess Championship.

Two Indian Stars, One Big Day
This final was special for another reason — both finalists were from India. Koneru Humpy, one of India’s greatest-ever women chess players, showed great sportsmanship and skill throughout the tournament. Her journey to the final was filled with hard-fought games and expert strategy.

The final also showcased the strength of Indian women's chess. Fans celebrated the fact that India had two players in the final, showing the country’s growing dominance on the global chess stage.

Leaders React
India’s Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Divya Deshmukh on her win, calling it a proud day for India. Social media was filled with praise and excitement, with #DivyaDeshmukh and #FIDEWorldCup trending all evening.

What’s Next for Divya?
At just 19, Divya Deshmukh’s journey is only beginning. With the Grandmaster title in hand and the Candidates tournament up next, she is now firmly one of the brightest stars in Indian and international chess.