The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup saw a historic victory as 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian woman to win the prestigious title. She triumphed over Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final held in Baku, securing a 1.5-0.5 victory after rapid tie-breaks. The classical games ended in draws, highlighting the strategic depth of both players. Divya dominated with the white pieces in the first game, although Humpy fought back. The second game saw Divya needing to salvage a draw. However, it was the tie-breaks where the young star shone, capitalizing on Humpy’s errors under time pressure. Divya entered the match as the underdog, facing Humpy, a highly-rated player known for her rapid chess skills. However, Divya remained unfazed and secured a monumental win. This victory is the culmination of a successful year for Deshmukh, which included a World Junior Championship title and a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Her World Cup win not only adds to her legacy but also grants her the 88th Grandmaster title for India, making her the fourth woman from India to achieve this honor.
Divya Deshmukh Makes History: First Indian Woman Wins FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025
By The Chhattisgarh1 Min Read