Divya Deshmukh Creates History, Wins Women’s World Cup
Batumi, Georgia | July 28, 2025:
In a stunning display of composure and skill, Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old International Master from Nagpur, clinched the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating veteran Grandmaster Humpy Koneru in the tiebreaks with a score of 1.5–0.5.
The final took place in Batumi, Georgia, bringing together 107 of the world’s best female chess players from 46 federations. Divya’s win marks a historic moment in Indian chess as she becomes the third-ever Women’s World Cup Champion, joining the elite company of Alexandra Kosteniuk (2021) and Aleksandra Goryachkina (2023).
The tiebreak featured two rapid games (15+10). Despite missing a clear win in the first game, Divya bounced back in the second, capitalizing on a blunder by Humpy under time pressure. With this victory, Divya not only secures the $50,000 prize but also earns the Grandmaster (GM) title, skipping the traditional three-norm route.
Speaking emotionally after the match, Divya said, “It’s hard for me to speak now. This means a lot, but it’s only the beginning. I hope there’s much more to come.”
She also qualifies for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, making her the youngest Indian to do so. The FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich was present at the ceremony and applauded her fearless gameplay.
Chess analysts around the world have hailed Divya’s win as a breakthrough for young talent and a signal of a new generation of women taking over the sport. The full prize-giving ceremony and detailed tournament breakdown will be released later tonight.
