In a groundbreaking moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh has etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Indian ever to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup. Her historic victory came in the semifinals held in Batumi, Georgia, where she defeated former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi of China with an impressive 1.5-0.5 score in the two-game classical match.
The win not only catapults Divya into the final of the prestigious tournament but also secures her a coveted spot in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, the penultimate stage in the journey toward the Women’s World Chess Championship title. Additionally, this monumental performance earned her her first Grandmaster norm, marking a significant milestone in her promising career.
Divya’s gameplay throughout the tournament has been lauded for its maturity, resilience, and strategic depth. Against Tan Zhongyi, she held her own in the first game and then showcased aggressive precision in the second to seal the match. Her success reflects years of dedication and signals the arrival of a new force in women’s chess from India.
In the final, Divya Deshmukh will face the winner of the other high-stakes semifinal clash between China’s top seed Lei Tingjie and India’s No. 1 female player Koneru Humpy. The possibility of an all-Indian final has captured the imagination of fans, as it would mark another historic first for Indian chess on the global stage.
Divya’s achievement comes at a time when Indian chess is witnessing a golden era, with young talents rising across all formats and age groups. Her progression to the final not only brings pride to the nation but also serves as an inspiration to a new generation of aspiring female chess players.
Former champions, Grandmasters, and chess aficionados across the world have praised her performance, noting her cool composure and creative tactics against some of the most seasoned players in the field.
As the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 draws to a close, all eyes will be on Divya Deshmukh as she prepares for the biggest match of her career—one that could further redefine the future of Indian women’s chess on the world stage.
