Newly-crowned FIDE Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh credited her family and mentors for helping her stay calm and focused en route to the biggest triumph of her career.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Dr Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, in New Delhi on Friday.
Divya became the 88th Grandmaster of the country and 4th Indian woman to become a Grandmaster, on becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, as well as the youngest ever to do so. Koneru Humpy joined the ceremony virtually.
The Union Minister said: “Grandmasters like you will serve as inspiration for the new generation. More youngsters will take interest in sports, especially a mind sport like chess. Chess may be considered one of India’s gifts to the world, and has been played since ancient times. I firmly believe that many daughters of India will rise in the world by drawing inspiration from both of you.”
“I’ve read about Humpy and I know that she has inspired many in her journey. She has played a long and distinguished innings. I remember going home and watching her games with my children,” Dr Mandaviya said.
The FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, held from July 5–28 in Batumi, saw a historic all-Indian final between 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh and seasoned GM Koneru Humpy.
Divya said: “I am very happy that the title has come to India. Koneru played very well but I was lucky that I won. For me, the biggest joy was in knowing that no matter who won, the title would come to India.”
“Today I feel so happy to be felicitated by the Minister because this motivates athletes and gives youngsters the message that they have the support of the country. I also want to thank Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for the constant support to chess. Sustained encouragement of this kind will help the game grow in the country,” she said.
The 19-year-old Grandmaster, who arrived in Mumbai from Batumi, Georgia, to a rousing reception, said she faced no pressure in the final against compatriot and two-time World Rapid champion Koneru Humpy.
“I never thought I was in any danger. I guess the last blunder which she (Humpy) made handed me the win,” Divya said, recalling the tense tie-breaker where she sealed the title after the classical rounds ended in draws.
Divya revealed that her parents and coaches constantly reminded her to enjoy the game rather than chase the result, which became her mantra for success.
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“Since I had no results in my hand, I was just trying to focus on my performance and wasn’t thinking about anything else. My parents and coaches told me to enjoy the process, and that helped me a lot,” said Divya, who entered the tournament as an underdog seeking a Grandmaster norm but ended up clinching the GM title and USD 50,000 in prize money.
The 19-year-old also secured a berth in next year’s Candidates Tournament, a crucial step toward the Women’s World Championship.
“Pressure does not matter much to me. What matters is my own expectations and goals,” Deshmukh asserted.
Asked about frequent comparisons with the legendary former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hailed for his aggressiveness and mental toughness, Deshmukh said: “I think aggressiveness was always in my play. It is easier for me to go into tactics and aggresive positions. I think it is my style.”
Divya hopes her win will inspire more young girls in India to take up chess. “I am hoping that women will take up the sport in a big way after this success, especially youngsters, and they start dreaming that nothing is impossible,” she said.
Her message, however, was not for aspiring players but for their parents. “They should wholeheartedly support their children because they need them more during their failures, not so much in success,” Divya added.
Divya’s rise in the world of chess is a story of grit, grace, and unwavering focus. She balanced school and chess practice to standing on the podium of a world championship.
Born in December 2005, Divya picked up chess as a child in Maharashtra. Encouraged by her parents, both doctors, she quickly took to the game with an analytical mind and calm temperament. Those who watched her relaised that a prodigy was born as from early age she dominated age-group championships across India and Asia. By her mid-teens, she had already earned the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title and was ranked among India’s top female players.
Divya catapulted to stardom between 2021 and 2023 in the chess world. She won the Asian Continental Women’s Championship, clinched medals at the Chess Olympiads, and stunned top-ranked players at the Tata Steel India Rapid tournament. Each win boosted her confidence and standing.
Unlike many peers who burn out after early success, Divya showed the ability to evolve. She worked on her weaknesses, especially in classical time formats and endgames, gradually improving her rating and performances against stronger opposition.
And then it was in July 2025 when the defining moment case. She entered the Women’s World Cup as a promising but unseeded challenger. Game after game, she stunned seasoned grandmasters overcoming powerful rivals like Tan Zhongyi, Zhu Jiner, and fellow Indian legend Koneru Humpy.
The final was an all-Indian showdown, and Divya held her nerve in rapid tiebreakers. With victory, she became India’s first Women’s World Cup champion and automatically earned the Grandmaster title, a coveted milestone in world chess.
Back home, her success sparked celebrations. From school children in Nagpur to national leaders, all hailed her as a symbol of hope and excellence. Crowds greeted her at the airport, flowers were showered on her, and banners lined the roads of her hometown.
But Divya, ever composed, simply said: “This is just the beginning. I want to keep learning and represent India at the highest level.”
Divya Deshmukh’s chess journey is far from over. But even at 19, she has reshaped the landscape of Indian chess. Not with flamboyance, but with deep calculation, mental strength, and quiet confidence. In a world hungry for headlines, she has shown that true greatness often emerges from the silence of 64 squares.
