Why in news?
Indian prodigy Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia. She defeated fellow Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy in the final and became the first Indian woman to win this prestigious knockout tournament.
About the tournament
The Women’s World Cup is organised by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) as a seven‑round knockout event to select players for the Women’s Candidates Tournament. The 2025 edition ran from 5 July to 29 July with 107 players. The top 21 seeds received byes into the second round. Matches consist of two classical games; if tied, players compete in rapid, blitz and Armageddon tie‑breaks.
Divya Deshmukh’s achievement
- Grandmaster title: At just 19 years of age she became India’s 88th grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman to attain the GM title.
- Final match: After drawing the classical games against Koneru Humpy, Divya won the rapid tie‑breaks 5–0.5, showcasing calm under pressure.
- Trailblazer: She is the first Indian woman to win the Women’s World Cup, signalling a generational shift in Indian chess and inspiring young players.
Significance for Indian chess
- Boost for women’s chess: Divya’s victory will encourage more girls to take up the sport and aspire to international success.
- International recognition: Winning a FIDE title brings global visibility and places India among the leading nations in women’s chess.
- Future prospects: As a World Cup winner she qualifies for the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, giving India a strong chance at the world championship.
Divya Deshmukh’s triumph emphasises the importance of nurturing talent from an early age and providing equal opportunities for women in sports.