LONDON, June 2025 – In a groundbreaking moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh stunned the global chess community by defeating reigning World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the semifinals of the Blitz segment at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship 2025.
The Nagpur-born chess prodigy emerged victorious after a grueling 74-move battle in a high-stakes rook vs bishop endgame, demonstrating nerves of steel, precision, and exceptional endgame mastery.
Team India Finishes on the Podium
Divya’s remarkable victory helped India clinch third place in the Blitz category, building on the team’s silver-medal finish in the Rapid format earlier in the tournament. Her individual Blitz record stood at a commendable six wins, one draw, and just one loss—a performance widely hailed as one of the best by an Indian female player on the world stage in recent times.
PM Modi Lauds Divya’s Historic Feat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to congratulate Divya Deshmukh, writing:
“Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh on defeating the World No. 1, Hou Yifan in the Blitz semifinals at the World Team Championships, London. Her success highlights her grit and determination. It also inspires many upcoming chess players. Best wishes for her future endeavours.”
Divya Speaks Out on Gender Bias in Chess
Beyond her performance on the board, Divya has also sparked critical conversations about gender inequality in chess. Earlier in 2024, she courageously addressed issues of sexism and lack of recognition for female players in the sport.
In a widely shared Instagram post, she wrote:
“I played a few games I was proud of, but the audience barely noticed the chess. Instead, they were focused on my clothes, my accent, and other irrelevant things. When women play, their skill is often overlooked.”
She continued:
“If the same interviews were done with male players, the focus would be on their strategy and gameplay, not their appearance. This disparity is disheartening, and I believe women in chess deserve equal respect and appreciation.”
Her bold remarks received support from several quarters, igniting a broader movement for fairer treatment and recognition of women in professional chess.
Who Is Divya Deshmukh?
Divya Deshmukh, a Women Grandmaster (WGM) from Nagpur, Maharashtra, has consistently been one of the top junior players in India. Known for her attacking style and tactical sharpness, she has previously won medals at both national and international levels, including Asian and Commonwealth chess championships.
Her latest feat at the 2025 FIDE World Team Championships in London has solidified her reputation as a trailblazer for Indian women in chess.
What’s Next?
As India continues to rise in the global chess rankings, Divya Deshmukh’s win over Hou Yifan marks more than just a personal milestone. It signifies a generational shift in Indian chess, especially in women’s participation and representation at the highest levels.
