At the age of 19, Divya Deshmukh defeated renowned chess player Koneru Humpy to win the Women’s Chess World Cup title, creating history as the first Indian woman to claim this prestigious honor. India’s young chess star, Divya Deshmukh, has donned the crown by becoming the FIDE Women’s World Cup Champion.

At just 19, Divya earned the distinction of being the first Indian woman to win this esteemed title, receiving accolades from President Droupadi Murmu. In the Chess World Cup final, two Indian women, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, faced off, showcasing the immense talent within India.

This achievement has brought immense pride to the Indian sports community, highlighting the country’s representation on the global stage.President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Divya Deshmukh via her X account, calling this a triumphant moment in recent times. She noted that Divya, at such a young age, has ushered in a new chapter in the chess world with her global title win. She also expressed gratitude for Koneru Humpy’s consistent achievements and praised her long-standing contribution to the sport.Divya Deshmukh’s accomplishment is not only an inspiration for Indian women but for the entire younger generation. She stands as a living example that knowledge, discipline, and practice can achieve anything. Her success is set to boost the confidence of other young Indian chess players to aim higher.About Divya Deshmukh:

Divya Deshmukh (born December 9, 2005) is an Indian chess player, holding the titles of Woman Grandmaster and International Master. She is the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup Champion and a three-time gold medalist at the Chess Olympiad. She has also secured multiple gold medals in the Asian Championships, World Junior Championships, and World Youth Championships. Born into a Marathi family in Nagpur, her parents, Dr. Jitendra Deshmukh and Dr. Namrata Deshmukh, are doctors. She received her early education at Bhavans Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir.Key Achievements: 2021: Became India’s 21st Woman Grandmaster.

2022: Won the Indian Women’s Chess Championship. Secured an individual bronze medal at the 2022 Chess Olympiad and was part of the gold-medal-winning team at the 2020 FIDE Online Chess Olympiad.

2023: Won the Asian Women’s Chess Championship in Almaty. Clinched first place in the women’s rapid section of the Tata Steel India Chess Tournament, defeating Harika Dronavalli, Vantika Agrawal, Koneru Humpy, Savitha Shri B, Irina Krush, and Nino Batsiashvili, while drawing against World Champion Ju Wenjun and Anna Ushenina.

2024: Became the Sharjah Challengers Champion, earning a spot in the 2025 Sharjah Masters with a top ranking in the open tournament. Won the FIDE World U20 Girls’ Chess Championship in June 2024.

2025: Defeated former World Champion Tan Zhongyi to reach the FIDE Women’s World Cup final, qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Achieved her first Grandmaster norm.