Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has reached the FIDE Women’s World Cup final after prevailing against China’s Lei Tingjie in a tense 5-3 tie-break, making her the first Indian finalist since the tournament’s inception. She now meets 19-year-old sensation Divya Deshmukh in a historic all-Indian final—a feat that assures the World Cup trophy will come to India.
Both have also secured their places in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, further strengthening India’s presence in women’s chess.
A Clash of Generations: Experience Meets Rising Star
Humpy’s journey to the final was marked by trademark resilience. After trailing in rapid tie-breaks, she rallied in dramatic fashion, clinching victory in blitz games and winning praise from legends like Viswanathan Anand for her exemplary “resilience and spirit”. The final pits Humpy, a symbol of Indian chess for decades, against the prodigious Deshmukh, whose own run has been dubbed “sensational”.
Divya’s path included victories over world elite: she defeated China’s Zhu Jiner, saw off India’s Harika Dronavalli, and then stunned ex-World Champion Tan Zhongyi in the semifinals with a bold and dynamic style, securing her maiden GM norm in the process. Former World Champion Anand commented, “She’s someone with a lot of potential…this will be a huge boost to her confidence”. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Deshmukh for her “grit and determination”, calling her an inspiration for young chess players everywhere.
Divya Deshmukh: India’s Newest Chess Icon
Born in Nagpur in 2005 to doctors Namrata and Jitendra Deshmukh, Divya’s ascent has been meteoric since she began chess at age 5, racking up under-10 and under-12 world titles before becoming a Woman Grandmaster in 2021. She claimed India’s national championship in 2022, followed by Asian and U-20 world titles, and was a key member of India’s gold-winning Olympiad teams in 2020, 2024, and 2025.
2025 has been particularly stellar: she stunned World No. 1 Hou Yifan at the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, and then defeated three of the world’s top 10 women at this World Cup, all at just 19 years of age. Her approach—blending tactical acuity with composure under pressure—has earned her a reputation as one of the game’s most versatile and fearless new faces. Divya’s willingness to question gender bias and speak about broader issues has also made her a role model for many.
India’s Chess Renaissance: Beyond the Board
The all-Indian final is emblematic of a wider renaissance. Recent years have seen India emerge as a formidable chess nation, regularly medalling in Olympiads and now producing back-to-back women’s global finalists. Humpy, the reigning World Rapid Champion, continues to inspire a generation that includes the likes of Vaishali Rameshbabu and Gukesh D.
Divya’s breakthrough reflects the increasing support and competitive opportunities available to India’s players, as well as the powerful influence of mentorship—she has trained at GM R B Ramesh’s Chess Gurukul and attended sessions at Anand’s academy. The transformation in India’s chess ecosystem is driving a pipeline of female stars challenging global norms and redefining what’s possible for Indian athletes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
With Humpy and Divya vying for the crown, Indian chess stands at a joyous and transformative crossroads. Both athletes epitomise courage, discipline, and the spirit of inclusivity, while their journeys offer hope and inspiration to all aspiring young minds—especially girls—across the country. Their successes reaffirm that persistent effort, access to opportunity, and collective pride are essential to national progress.
History made at the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025! 🥳
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) July 25, 2025
A proud moment for #IndianChess as Grandmaster Koneru Humpy sealed her place in the #FIDE Women’s World Cup Final. She will face compatriot Divya Deshmukh in the title clash, the first ever all Indian final in the tournament’s… pic.twitter.com/FTtdOedMAJ
