If you thought Indian chess had already peaked with Gukesh D’s world championship glory last year, think again. Divya Deshmukh’s stunning victory at the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi delivered the knockout punch, marking the absolute highlight of chess in India for 2025. This 19-year-old from Nagpur didn’t just win; she rewrote history in one epic sweep.
Divya Deshmukh: A Threat Since The Beginning
From the opening rounds, Divya Deshmukh showcased nerves of steel and tactical brilliance that left the field chasing shadows. In the final showdown, she clinched the title, becoming the first Indian woman to lift the FIDE Women’s World Cup trophy.
But wait, there’s more, her triumph automatically earned her the coveted Grandmaster title, skipping the usual norms, and locked her in a spot at the 2026 Candidates tournament. There, the winner challenges China’s Ju Wenjun for the women’s world crown. Parents who are doctors must be beaming with pride, as Divya shifted the game’s landscape overnight.
This win signalled a new era for women’s chess in India. For nearly two decades, Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika carried the torch as two-time rapid champions and steady performers. Divya’s rise adds fresh firepower, proving India’s depth runs deeper than ever.
While Gukesh D faced turbulence, slipping in events like Tata Steel Masters, FIDE Grand Swiss, and a shock World Cup exit in Goa, his Norway Chess win over Magnus Carlsen stole some spotlight. That fist-slam moment went viral, even PSG used Gukesh’s cool face for their Champions League vibe.
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Yet, Divya Deshmukh stole the show amid a year of mixed fortunes. As 2026 looms with Candidates 2026 action, expect more drama. Divya didn’t just win a cup; she ignited a revolution. Stay tuned, Indian chess is just warming up.
Also read: Who Is Magnus Carlsen’s Favourite For Candidates 2026? Answered
