India’s newest chess star, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh, has revealed the expert team of “seconds” who helped her clinch the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, a historic win she dedicated to her late coach.
A Historic Victory for Indian Chess
Divya Deshmukh recently made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup, held in Batumi, Georgia. This monumental triumph also secured her status as India’s fourth female Grandmaster (GM), joining the ranks of chess legends Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R. Vaishali.
Her path to victory included a crucial tiebreak win against fellow Indian GM Humpy, confirming both players’ spots in the upcoming Women’s Candidates Tournament in 2026. This tournament is a critical step, as its winner earns the right to challenge the reigning Women’s World Champion.
The ‘Secret Weapons’: Her Team of Seconds
In an interview with FIDE’s IM Michael Rahal, Divya shared insights into her preparation, revealing the crucial role played by her “seconds” – the coaches and analysts who assist players during tournaments. She specifically named Grandmasters Csaba Balogh and Abhimanyu Puranik as her key support system.
Divya praised GM Balogh, a Hungarian Grandmaster, for his tireless dedication. “He spent endless nights. I think he’s had a harder time with this tournament than I have. He’s got no sleep. He was the reason I had such good preparation,” she noted.
GM Abhimanyu Puranik also provided significant assistance. Divya highlighted his unwavering encouragement, stating, “He was always there to cheer me on.”
Meet the Masterminds
Csaba Balogh is a highly accomplished Grandmaster, having earned his title in 2004. He boasts an impressive track record, including individual and team silver medals at the 2014 Chess Olympiad for Hungary. Balogh was also part of Hungarian national teams that won the U-16 Chess Olympiad and the European U-18 Team Chess Championship.
Abhimanyu Puranik, a 25-year-old Grandmaster from Mumbai, is another rising star in Indian chess. He previously secured a second-place finish at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2018, showcasing his talent and strategic prowess.
A Poignant Dedication to Her First Coach
Upon her return to India, Divya Deshmukh made a heartfelt dedication of her newly acquired GM title to her first coach, the late Rahul Joshi. Joshi, a revered chess trainer from Nagpur, sadly passed away in 2020 at the young age of 40.
“He always wanted me to be a GM. I dedicate my GM title to him,” Divya shared, honoring the memory and influence of her mentor who believed in her potential from the very beginning.
- Divya Deshmukh is the first Indian to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
- She is the fourth Indian female Grandmaster.
- Her “seconds” for the World Cup were GMs Csaba Balogh (Hungary) and Abhimanyu Puranik (India).
- She dedicated her GM title to her late first coach, Rahul Joshi.
- Her World Cup win secures her spot in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
This historic achievement not only marks a significant milestone in Divya Deshmukh’s career but also elevates India’s standing on the global chess stage, setting the stage for future triumphs.
