Mumbai/Batumi, Georgia – July 28, 2025: In a stunning feat that shook the chess world, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, clinching victory in the final against compatriot and legendary Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in Batumi, Georgia.
Ranked 15th and without a single GM norm entering the tournament, the International Master from Nagpur made history — not just with her title but also by securing a fast-tracked Grandmaster (GM) title and a $50,000 winner’s cheque. With this win, she also sealed a place in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, alongside Humpy.
“I need time to process it,” a tearful Divya said moments after embracing her mother and speaking to FIDE.
A GM Without the Traditional Route
Divya joins a rare group of players who have earned the GM title by winning a major FIDE tournament, bypassing the traditional route of earning three GM norms and achieving a 2500 Elo rating. She becomes India’s 88th GM overall, and only the fourth Indian woman to do so.
“I think it is fate — me getting the GM title this way,” Divya told FIDE. “Before this tournament, I was wondering where I’d get my GM norm. And now I’m a Grandmaster.”
Final Showdown: A Battle of Generations
The final was a gripping all-India clash, with Divya taking on Koneru Humpy, India’s first woman GM and nearly twice her age. After the classical games on Saturday and Sunday ended in draws, Divya held her nerve during the rapid tie-breakers, capitalizing on a critical mistake by Humpy under time pressure in the second game.
“Humpy self-inflicted that collapse,” five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand said during the live broadcast. “But credit to Divya — she was poised and ready to pounce.”
A Golden Year for Indian Chess
Divya’s triumph is the latest chapter in what has been a historic year for Indian chess. Just in the past 12 months:
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D Gukesh became the youngest-ever Candidates winner,
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India’s men’s and women’s teams won the Chess Olympiad,
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Humpy reclaimed her World Rapid Champion title,
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And now, Divya has risen as a new queen of Indian chess.
“This is a great celebration of Indian chess, especially women’s chess,” Anand posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Journey of a Chess Prodigy
Born to doctors in Nagpur, Divya took up chess before the age of six. She showed early promise, winning multiple age-group championships. She trained under renowned coaches RB Ramesh and GM Srinath Narayanan, traveling often to Chennai to refine her game.
Ramesh, who coached her in her formative years, said:
“She was extremely talented and confident, even as a child. This win will inspire many young girls.”
Srinath recalls her big-match temperament, pointing back to the 2018 World Youth U-16 Olympiad, where Divya delivered a crucial win against Iran to secure silver for India.
“This is Just the Beginning”
During the three-week tournament in Batumi, Divya defeated top GMs like Zhu Jiner, Harika Dronavalli, and Lei Tingjie, showcasing consistency and composure. Her rapid win over Humpy only solidified her position as one of the rising stars on the global stage.
“Of course, there’s a lot more to achieve,” Divya said. “I’m hoping this is just the start.”
Her coaches believe she’s ready for the next leap.
“She should compete in more open tournaments and aim for the Women’s World Champion title,” said Ramesh.
Quick Highlights:
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First Indian to win FIDE Women’s World Cup
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Fast-tracked Grandmaster at 19 (India’s 88th GM, 4th woman)
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Won $50,000 and a spot in 2026 Women’s Candidates
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Defeated three Grandmasters including Humpy and Harika
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Hailed by Viswanathan Anand as a “great celebration of Indian chess”
