New Delhi: A historic day for India on the global chessboard — 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Women’s Chess World Cup 2025, defeating defending champion and India’s top-ranked player Koneru Humpy in a thrilling final.
The prestigious tournament, held over three weeks in Batumi, Georgia, saw Divya dominate the competition, culminating in her remarkable victory that not only secured her the world title but also made her the 88th Grandmaster from India and only the fourth Indian woman to achieve the Grandmaster title.
Divya had already made headlines last year by clinching the Junior Chess World Cup. With this World Cup triumph, she has now completed a rare double, becoming a global icon in the world of chess. Her journey from junior champion to world champion marks a meteoric rise and sets a new benchmark in Indian chess history.
This victory isn’t just a personal triumph but a proud moment for the nation, reinforcing India’s growing dominance in international chess.