PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi applaud Divya Deshmukh for historic title at FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025
Still only 19, Divya Deshmukh stunned Koneru Humpy to become nation’s first Women’s Chess World Cup champion.
Divya Deshmukh made history on Monday, July 28, by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup, defeating compatriot and Indian chess legend Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final held in Batumi, Georgia. Her victory has drawn praise from across the country, including from the highest offices of the nation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the big moment of Indian chess.
He wrote, “A historic final featuring two outstanding Indian chess players! Proud of the young Divya Deshmukh on becoming FIDE Women’s World Chess Champion 2025. Congratulations to her for this remarkable feat, which will inspire several youngsters.”
The 38-year-old Koneru Humpy, India’s first woman Grandmaster and one of the country’s most celebrated chess players, had a remarkable run of her own in the tournament. Both the Indian finalists have secured spots in the Candidates Tournament 2026.
“Koneru Humpy has also displayed immense prowess throughout the championship. Best wishes to both players for their future endeavours,” the PM added in his tweet.
Also Read: Records Divya Deshmukh made by winning FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 title
India’s President Droupadi Murmu also extended her heartfelt congratulations to young chess talent.
“My heartiest congratulations to Divya Deshmukh who has become the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, that too, at a very young age of nineteen. Koneru Humpy being the runner-up, both the finalists of the chess world championship were from India. This underlines the abundance of talent in our country, especially among women.
“I convey my deep appreciation to Koneru Humpy for sustaining excellence throughout her illustrious career. I am sure that both these women champions will continue to bring greater glories and inspire our youth,” President Murmu wrote on her Twitter handle.
At just 19 years old, Divya not only became the youngest champion in the history of the FIDE Women’s World Cup, but also became only the eighth teenage girl in the world to earn the prestigious Grandmaster title.
Also Read: A look at four chess female grandmasters from India
The tournament, held in the Georgian city of Batumi, was nothing short of a marathon for Divya Deshmukh. Starting off as the 15th seed, the winner of Word Junior Championship 2024 shocked everyone by defeating former World Champion, GM Tan Zhongyi, in the semi-finals to become the first Indian to reach the final.
On Monday, she made history again by beating Koneru Humpy in the second rapid game to lift the trophy.
The leader of Opposition and member of Indian National Congress Rahul Gandhi also joined in celebrating the achievement.
“Two Indian women. One world stage. A nation beaming with pride. At just 19, Divya Deshmukh achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Chess World Cup.
“Across the board, Koneru Humpy, a legend in her own right, made this all-India final a truly historic event. Congratulations to both champions!” said Gandhi via social media.
Who did Divya Deshmukh beat to win FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 title?
Divya defeated compatriot and the more experienced Humpy Koneru to win the prestigious title.
What records Divya Deshmukh set at FIDE Women’s World Cup?
Divya set several records at the tournament becoming the first-ever Indian to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup and also the youngest woman to win the title.
How many female chess Grandmasters does India have?
Divya Deshmukh has become the fourth Indian woman to earn the grandmaster title.
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Uzma Fatima is a passionate sports journalist who believes every match has a story waiting to be told. Whether it's the grace of Olympic champions, the grit of tennis and badminton battles, or the drama of cricket’s highs and heartbreaks — she loves capturing the emotion behind the action. Off the field, she’s a Formula 1 enthusiast who never misses a race weekend.
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