I'm hoping this is just the start: Divya Deshmukh
While becoming a GM is one of the toughest things in chess as a player needs to earn three GM norms in FIDE-approved tournaments events and cross the 2500 rating, things fell in place for the talented Nagpur player.
FIDE has a rule that the winners of certain elite competitions can avoid the usual norm-and-rating route and become GMs directly. The Women's World Cup is one of those FIDE events where the winner straightaway becomes a GM if not already.
'I need time to process it (victory). It think it was fate me getting the Grandmaster title this way because I didn't even have one norm (coming into the event) and all I was thinking of was 'Oh, when can I get my norm', and now I'm a Grandmaster so...,' said Deshmukh, who beat compatriot Koneru Humpy to emerge winner. The youngster had her mother, a doctor, by her side in her moment of glory. She got emotional soon after beating Humpy, a two-time World Rapid champion and embraced her mother in a heartfelt hug, sobbing all along. 'It's hard for me to speak right now. It definitely means a lot, but of course there's a lot more to achieve,' said Deshmukh. 'I'm hoping this is just the start.' The achievement made Deshmukh only the fourth Indian woman to become a GM after Humpy, Dronavalli Harika and R. Vaishali.
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Chess: Divya Deshmukh dedicates World Cup title to her first trainer, who passed away in 2020
Divya Deshmukh received a massive reception on arrival in Nagpur after winning the Women's Chess World Cup. (PTI) Nineteen-year-old Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh received a grand reception at Nagpur airport on Wednesday after winning the Women's World Cup title in Batumi, Georgia, where she defeated Indian veteran Koneru Humpy in a tie-breaker following two drawn classical games. The victory earned her the Grandmaster title, a spot in the Candidates tournament, and USD 50,000 in prize money. Deshmukh, who entered the tournament as an underdog aiming for a GM-norm, traveled from Batumi to Mumbai before reaching her hometown Nagpur, accompanied by her mother. Her relatives and fans gathered at the airport well in advance to welcome her. "I am feeling very happy that so many people have come to felicitate me, and chess is getting the recognition," said Deshmukh upon her arrival. The young champion credited her success to her family and first coach Rahul Joshi, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 40. "My parents have played the biggest role in my career. Without them I would not have reached here. Credit to my family, my parents, my sister, and my first coach, Rahul Joshi sir. He always wanted me to become the Grandmaster, and this is for him," she said. Expressing gratitude to her family members, she added, "My mother and father had a bigger role to play but definitely my whole family, my sister Arya Deshmukh, my grandmother, grandfather...I by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Historic Cars Every Enthusiast Should Know Undo don't think whatever I will say will be enough." Deshmukh also acknowledged GM Abhijit Kunte's influence on her success. "Abhijit sir is lucky for me. Wherever he has been with me, I have won the trophy," she stated. Looking ahead, Deshmukh plans to take a brief break before competing in the Grand Swiss tournament in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, scheduled for September 2-16. "I will take some rest this month and will play Grand Swiss next month," she confirmed. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
India.com
4 hours ago
- India.com
Divya Deshmukh Receives Hero's Welcome In Nagpur After Historic Chess World Cup 2025 Triumph
Divya Deshmukh's return to Nagpur was nothing short of cinematic. The 19-year-old Grandmaster, fresh from her triumph at the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, was welcomed by a jubilant crowd at the airport. Family, friends, and chess fans from across the city gathered to cheer the young star, who has now become the first Indian woman to win the Chess World Cup. "I am happy. I feel very good to see that so many people have gathered here to welcome me. My heart is very happy. I want to give credit to my sister, my whole family, and my first coach, Rahul Joshi..." - Divya Deshmukh! — The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) July 30, 2025 'I am so happy to receive this affection. My heart is full,' said an emotional Divya, greeted with flowers, cheers, and chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". Her achievement is not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for Indian chess, marking a significant step forward for women in the sport. Toppling a Titan: How Divya Defeated Humpy In the title clash, Divya was up against Koneru Humpy, one of India's most decorated chess players. The final was intense, with both classical games ending in draws. The tie-breakers, however, saw Divya shift gears and show remarkable composure under pressure. A string of minor inaccuracies in the second rapid game proved costly for Humpy. She found herself in a challenging rook endgame, one pawn down, and eventually resigned after 75 moves. The final score: 2.5-1.5 in Divya's favour. Though she missed two earlier opportunities to capitalize on Humpy's missteps, Divya stayed resilient. On move 69, when Humpy captured the f-pawn, it tipped the balance. Divya pounced, making a series of clinical moves that forced the veteran's resignation just six moves later. From Underdog to Grandmaster Divya's journey at the World Cup began with modest expectations. She entered the tournament hoping to notch a GM norm. But as the rounds progressed, the teenager stunned top-seeded opponents, culminating in her beating Humpy—an all-Indian final that electrified the chess community. With this victory, Divya not only clinched the Grandmaster title, but also secured a coveted spot in the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament and earned a prize purse of USD 50,000. Emotional Tribute to Her Pillars of Strength Fighting back tears at the press conference, Divya paid tribute to those who shaped her journey. 'My parents have played the biggest role in my career. Without them, I would not be here,' she said. She reserved special praise for her late coach, Rahul Joshi, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 40. 'He always dreamed I would become a Grandmaster. This is for him.' She also credited her younger sister Arya Deshmukh, grandparents, and mentor GM Abhijit Kunte, calling him her 'lucky charm'. What's Next for Divya Deshmukh? After the whirlwind of celebrations, Divya plans to take a short break before resuming competitive action at the Grand Swiss Tournament in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, scheduled from September 2 to 16. The event will offer another opportunity for her to test herself against the world's elite and push toward the Women's World Championship crown. 'I'll take some rest this month and prepare for Grand Swiss next,' she shared, already setting her sights on the future. A Symbol of India's Emerging Chess Powerhouse Divya's victory is emblematic of India's chess revolution, particularly among young women. She becomes the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster and the 88th overall in India, reinforcing the country's growing global stature in the game. With young stars like R Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh D, and now Divya Deshmukh rising through the ranks, India's chess future looks incredibly bright. Her success serves as an inspiration for thousands of young girls across the nation dreaming of making it big on the 64 squares.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
'He Always Wanted Me To Be GM': Divya Deshmukh's Touching Tribute To First Coach
Last Updated: Upon her return to Nagpur, Deshmukh dedicated her FIDE Women's World Cup title to the late Rahul Joshi, her first chess trainer. Indian teenage sensation Divya Deshmukh enjoyed a victorious homecoming on Wednesday as the 19-year-old made her return to India following her heroics in Batumi, Georgia, as the Nagpur-based genius clinched the coveted FIDE Women's World Cup title against compatriot Humpy Koneru. Deshmukh, who was extended a hero's welcome in Nagpur, commemorated the moment by paying tribute to the late Rahul Joshi, her first chess trainer. Joshi, who initially trained the wunderkind, unfortunately passed away at the tender age of just 40 years of age and Deshmukh made it a point to show her appreciation for her following her historic triumph. 'He always wanted me to be a GM. I dedicate my GM title to him," Deshmukh said. view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 08:13 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
