Taking the Indian chess world to a new height, 19 -year -old Divya Deshmukh has won the title of FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025. She achieved this historic victory by defeating India’s legendary Grandmaster Koneru Hampi, making her the first Indian woman to win the chess World Cup. After a tough competition between the two in the classical games, Divya defeated Hampi 1.5–0.5 in the Rapid Tybreaker and won the title.
Both classical games of the final match were drawn. In such a situation, the match was decided in the rapid tiebreaker. Where Divya defeated Hampi and created a new history due to the exact strategy and brilliant game. With this victory, Divya Deshmukh has become the 88th and fourth female grandmaster of India. The title of Grandmaster is one of the highest achievements for any chess player. On the victory of a big tournament like World Cup, this title is given directly by FIDE.
On winning FIDE Women’s World Cup, Divya Deshmukh received about 43 lakh rupees as a prize money. At the same time, about 30 lakh rupees were provided to Konaru Hampi, who was runner -up. This was the first time two Indian women players were face to face in the final of the tournament. With this victory, both Divya and Hampi have qualified for the women’s candidate tournament to be held in 2026. This tournament will decide who will challenge the current world champion Joo Wenjun.
Divya’s journey to reach this historical title was very exciting and challenging. He defeated the second seeded China’s Janeer Zhu in the tournament, then defeated D. Harika of India. Subsequently, defeating former world champion Tan Jhongi in the semi -finals and made it to the finals. Before Divya Deshmukh, only three Indian women players have got the status of Grandmaster- Koneru Hampi, Harika Dronavalli and R.K. Vaishali Now Divya has also given a new direction to Indian chess by making it to this prestigious list.
