Indian women chess players are making a significant impact at the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, showcasing their growing strength on the global stage.
Vaishali’s Stunning Comeback
The FIDE World Cup saw thrilling moments, none more so than Vaishali Rameshbabu’s incredible recovery. Facing USA’s rising star Carissa Yip, Vaishali was on the verge of elimination twice in their Round 3 tie-break.
Despite being in losing positions in both rapid games, she managed to secure draws. Then, in a dramatic turn, Vaishali clinched two decisive wins in the subsequent games, sending Yip home.
“I was completely lost, especially in the first one where I was two or three pawns down. But I just kept playing,” Vaishali shared, highlighting her resilience.
India’s Strong Showing
The ongoing tournament in Batumi has become a powerful display for Indian chess. Four Indian women qualified for the pre-quarterfinals, a number matched only by China, a long-standing powerhouse in women’s chess.
This strong performance signals a potential shift in the global chess landscape, with India now posing a serious challenge to established nations.
Meet the Indian Contingent
The Indian presence includes seasoned veterans Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, alongside young talents like International Master (IM) Divya Deshmukh. Another young IM, Vantika Agrawal, also showed immense fighting spirit.
Vantika pushed top Russian player Kateryna Lagno to five draws before finally succumbing in the sixth game. Earlier, Vantika impressively knocked out former women’s world champion Anna Ushenina after a marathon eight-game battle.
Divya Deshmukh, reflecting on her past World Cup experience, noted its importance for understanding top-level chess. She faces a significant test against China’s world No. 6, Zhu Jiner, in what promises to be a clash of the next generation.
Challenging the Chinese Dominance
For years, China has held a strong grip on women’s chess, with five of the top eight players in the world hailing from the country, including the current world champion Ju Wenjun. India has only one player, Koneru Humpy, in the top 10.
However, just outside the top 10, Harika, Vaishali, and Divya are poised to break into this elite group. The recent success of the Indian men’s team, with stars like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, has inspired similar ambitions in the women’s game.
The Road Ahead
The FIDE World Cup offers a crucial pathway: the top three finishers earn a coveted spot in next year’s Women’s Candidates tournament. This is the final step before challenging the reigning women’s world champion.
With 16 players still in contention, including four strong Indian representatives, the race for these spots is intense. The performance in Batumi could mark a new era for Indian women’s chess, proving their capability to compete at the highest level.
