Nineteen-year-old Divya Deshmukh has made history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup, showcasing incredible strategy and unshakeable confidence.
A Historic Victory
In a thrilling final, Divya Deshmukh defeated Koneru Humpy, a dominant force in Indian women’s chess for over two decades. This monumental win not only secured Divya a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament but also made her only the fourth female Grandmaster from India.
What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that Divya had no Grandmaster norms and didn’t meet the standard 2500 rating requirement before the World Cup. Yet, by winning this elite event, she bypassed all typical FIDE requirements, becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster and the 44th female Grandmaster globally.
Strategic Brilliance on the Board
Divya’s victory wasn’t just about youthful energy; it was a testament to her meticulous strategy. She purposefully steered the final towards shorter time controls, understanding that she had never defeated Humpy in Classical chess.
In the second Classical game, where Humpy had the white pieces and a chance to clinch the match, Divya staged a defensive masterclass. She held her ground, forcing the contest into rapid tie-breaks where she ultimately delivered the winning blow.
The Makings of a Champion
According to her former coach, RB Ramesh, Divya’s success stems from two key factors: confidence and age. Ramesh describes her as the most confident among her peers, lacking the self-doubt that often plagues players.
He believes Divya already possesses the strength of a Grandmaster and is continuously improving. Ramesh even predicts she could reach a 2650 rating, potentially becoming India’s strongest female player.
Describing her playing style, Ramesh calls Divya “ultra-aggressive,” drawing parallels to the legendary attacking player Alexander Alekhine. He sees this aggressive approach not as a risk, but as her unique strength, akin to an attacking batsman in cricket.
Mental Fortitude and Future Aspirations
Grandmaster Abhijeet Kunte highlights Divya’s rare mental fortitude. He notes her ability to perform under pressure, whether defending tenaciously when behind or converting advantages without falling into time trouble. This level of maturity at such a young age is exceptionally rare.
Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand is also not surprised by her triumph. He stated that Divya has “a lot of potential” and that her success, while highly anticipated, is still a joy to witness.
Ramesh believes Divya has a genuine shot at the FIDE Women’s World Championship crown. He asserts that with increased effort, raising her rating by about 100 points is achievable at her age, making her a clear favorite.
- Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE Women’s World Cup at just 19 years old.
- Her victory earned her the Grandmaster title and a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, bypassing traditional FIDE requirements.
- Coaches and fellow GMs praise her unshakeable confidence, aggressive playing style, and exceptional mental fortitude.
- She is predicted to become India’s strongest female chess player and a future World Champion contender.
While the World Championship might seem a distant goal for now, Divya’s immediate plans are for some well-deserved rest and good food, as she basks in the glow of her historic achievement.
