Divya Deshmukh Triumphs at FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025

Divya Deshmukh's Historic Victory

In a remarkable achievement, Divya Deshmukh, a 19-year-old chess prodigy from India, has emerged victorious at the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 held in Georgia. This victory marks her as the first Indian woman to win the prestigious title, defeating Koneru in a thrilling final that concluded with tiebreaks.

Reflecting on her experience, Divya described the tournament as her most significant challenge yet, stating, "This event tested my resilience and pushed my physical, mental, and emotional limits, as well as my ability to manage nerves."

Emphasizing the role of family support, she expressed gratitude for her mother’s presence during the competition, saying, "Family support is crucial. It boosts your confidence and helps you perform at your best. I feel incredibly fortunate to have my mom by my side throughout this journey."

Upon returning to India, Divya was met with an outpouring of love from fans, which she found overwhelming. "Seeing such affection and support has been heartwarming. Although the trip was exhausting, my heart is full of joy," she remarked.

Surprised by her success, Divya admitted, "I never anticipated reaching this stage in the tournament. I entered without a norm, and now I stand as a grandmaster. This journey has involved years of dedication, challenges, and a bit of luck."

The final match was intense, with Koneru making critical errors that led to her defeat. After falling behind in a rook endgame, she resigned on the 75th move, concluding the match with a score of 2.5-1.5 in favor of Divya. Despite missing earlier opportunities, Divya capitalized on Koneru's mistakes, ultimately securing her victory with precision.

Overcome with emotion, Divya shed tears of joy as she embraced her mother, fully realizing the magnitude of her achievement.