Georgia:
In a historic all-Indian final at the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh defeated veteran Koneru Humpy in a dramatic tie-breaker to become the first Indian woman to win the title. The final, held over three days, concluded with a thrilling set of rapid games that crowned Divya as the new champion.
A Gripping Finale
The final clash between the 38-year-old Humpy, one of India’s most decorated chess players, and rising star Divya Deshmukh saw two classical games end in draws, forcing the match into tie-breakers. In the first 15-minute rapid tie-breaker, Humpy playing with black pieces held her own against Divya in a hard fought 81-move game that ended in a draw.
However, the momentum shifted in the second rapid tie-breaker. With white pieces, Humpy looked to assert control early on, but Divya remained composed under pressure. The young prodigy gradually gained the upper hand and capitalized on a series of minor inaccuracies by Humpy to secure a decisive victory.
🇮🇳 Divya Deshmukh defeats Humpy Koneru 🇮🇳 to win the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup 🏆#FIDEWorldCup pic.twitter.com/h12I7X56kw
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 28, 2025
A Star Is Born:
With this win, Divya Deshmukh etches her name in history as the first Indian to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup title, marking a monumental moment for Indian chess. Her victory over one of the country’s most respected grandmasters signals a generational shift in the sport.
Divya’s performance throughout the tournament has been stellar, and her triumph in the final further cements her status as one of the brightest young talents in world chess.
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Guaranteed Indian Gold
The final had already guaranteed India a gold medal, given that both finalists were Indian a rare and proud moment for the country on the global stage. However, the symbolic weight of a rising teenager toppling a national icon makes this victory all the more impactful.
Koneru Humpy, who has served as a pillar of Indian women’s chess for over two decades, graciously accepted her runner-up position, praising Divya’s exceptional play and resilience in the tie-breaks.
Divya Deshmukh’s victory is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian chess players, especially young women. With India now boasting a growing pool of international champions, the nation’s dominance in global chess continues to rise.
As Divya lifts the coveted World Cup trophy, Indian chess celebrates not just a new champion, but the dawn of a new era.
