Divya Deshmukh Creates History, Breaks Down In Tears After Winning Women’s Chess World Cup
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Indian chess history, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur clinched the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 title, defeating compatriot Koneru Humpy in a thrilling tiebreak on July 28, 2025, in Batumi, Georgia. The victory not only crowned her as the first Indian woman to win the prestigious tournament but also earned her the coveted Grandmaster title, making her India’s 88th Grandmaster and only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this milestone. The emotional weight of this triumph was palpable as Divya, overwhelmed with joy, broke down in tears and shared a heartfelt hug with her mother after the final move.
A Historic Journey to the Top
Divya Deshmukh entered the tournament as the 15th seed, an underdog among a field of 107 players from 46 federations, including 17 of the world’s top 20 female chess players. Her journey to the title was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by resilience, tactical brilliance, and an unyielding spirit. She faced and defeated some of the world’s strongest players, including former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semifinals and top seed Zhu Jiner in earlier rounds. Her path also saw her outplay compatriot Harika Dronavalli in a tense quarterfinal tiebreak, securing her spot among the final four.
The final against Koneru Humpy, India’s No. 1 and the reigning World Rapid champion, was a clash of generations. The two classical games on July 26 and 27 ended in hard-fought draws, pushing the match into rapid tiebreaks. In the first rapid game, with Divya playing White, the result was another draw. However, in the decisive second rapid game, playing with Black, Divya showcased her composure under pressure. Humpy, under severe time constraints, faltered in the endgame, allowing Divya to capitalize and secure a 2.5-1.5 victory. This win not only earned her the $50,000 first prize but also a spot in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, bringing her closer to a potential world title challenge.
A Moment of Raw Emotion
As the final move was played, the weight of her achievement hit Divya. She stood up, walked to her mother, and collapsed into her arms, tears streaming down her face. “I need time to process it,” she said in her post-game interview, reflecting on the surreal moment. “I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way. Before this, I didn’t even have one GM norm, and now I am the Grandmaster.” Her emotional reaction resonated with fans worldwide, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering belief.
Divya’s story is particularly inspiring given her unconventional path to the Grandmaster title. Typically, achieving the title requires securing three Grandmaster norms and a FIDE rating of 2500 or above. However, her World Cup victory granted her the title directly, a testament to the magnitude of her accomplishment. “Before this tournament, I was thinking, where can I get a norm, and now I’m a Grandmaster!” she exclaimed, highlighting the unexpected nature of her rise.
A Rising Star in Indian Chess
Born on December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Divya Deshmukh’s chess journey began serendipitously at the age of four or five. Accompanying her sister to badminton classes, she was too small to reach the net and stumbled upon a chess class in the same building. “I liked the sport. Then, I just stuck with chess,” she recalled in a 2023 interview with the Indian Express. Her parents, both doctors, supported her passion, nurturing her talent through years of dedication.
Divya’s resume is already glittering with accolades. She was part of India’s gold medal-winning team at the 2020 FIDE Online Olympiad, won the 2022 Indian Women’s Chess Championship, and claimed the Asian Women’s Chess Championship in 2023. In June 2024, she became the World Junior Girls’ Chess Champion, defeating Bulgaria’s Beloslava Krasteva in a five-hour marathon. Her performance at the 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship, where she defeated world No. 1 Hou Yifan, further underscored her potential as a global chess powerhouse.
A Symbol of Empowerment
Divya’s victory is more than a sporting triumph; it’s a beacon of inspiration for young girls across India and beyond. Her fearless play, sharp preparation, and ability to stay composed under pressure highlight the rise of a new generation of Indian chess talent. The all-Indian final against Humpy, a chess legend and Padma Shri recipient, underscored India’s growing dominance in women’s chess, with experts crediting the country’s robust coaching infrastructure and grassroots encouragement.
Posts on X captured the sentiment of the moment, with users like @toisports sharing, “Tears, triumph, and a mother’s hug 😍 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh couldn’t hold back her emotions after winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup and becoming a Grandmaster.” Another post from @IExpressSports noted, “Emotional Divya Deshmukh in tears, hugs mother after winning Women’s World Cup,” reflecting the outpouring of pride and admiration from fans.
A Bright Future Ahead
Divya’s World Cup win marks a defining moment in her career and a proud chapter for Indian chess. As she prepares for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, the chess world will be watching closely to see if she can challenge for the ultimate prize—the Women’s World Championship title. Her journey from a young girl captivated by chess to a Grandmaster and World Cup champion is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of dreaming big.
For now, Divya’s tears of joy and her heartfelt embrace with her mother remain the enduring image of a historic victory—one that has not only made her a champion but also a symbol of hope and ambition for aspiring chess players everywhere.
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