Divya Deshmukh Makes History: Becomes First Indian Champion at FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup

In a thrilling all-Indian final at the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by defeating veteran Koneru Humpy to become the first Indian to win the prestigious title.

A Nail-Biting Tie-Breaker

After two days of intense classical chess, both Divya and Humpy played to a series of draws, forcing the championship to be decided through rapid tie-breaker games.

  • First tie-breaker: A hard-fought draw.
  • Second tie-breaker: Divya, playing with the black pieces, emerged victorious, sealing her historic win.

The victory was not just a personal milestone—it marked a new chapter in Indian chess, showcasing the rise of a young talent on the global stage.

A Historic Achievement

By defeating 38-year-old Koneru Humpy, a seasoned and highly respected chess player, Divya earned more than just the World Cup crown:

  • She achieves the Grandmaster title, a dream for every chess player.
  • She qualifies for the Candidates Tournament, moving one step closer to competing for the Women’s World Championship.

This victory is a testament to India’s growing prominence in women’s chess, highlighting the depth of talent and the potential of the next generation of players.

A Celebration for Indian Chess

Divya’s triumph is being celebrated across the nation, inspiring young chess enthusiasts and reinforcing India’s status as a global chess powerhouse. Her performance against a stalwart like Humpy demonstrates the perfect blend of youthful energy, strategy, and composure under pressure.

As Divya Deshmukh lifts the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup trophy, she not only claims a personal victory but also paves the way for a promising future for Indian women in chess.

This is a blog-ready version that highlights the excitement, significance, and historical impact of Divya Deshmukh’s win.

Source: Sports NDTV