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News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Divya Deshmukh Calls Chess World Cup Win 'Test Of Resilience', Hopes 'Vishy Sir Is Happy'
Last Updated: The 19-year-old from Nagpur opened up on her historic title-winning run in Georgia, which earned her the Grandmaster title in addition to the FIDE Women's World Cup crown. Teenage Indian Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh, who scripted history by becoming the first woman from the nation to clinch the FIDE Women's World Cup, opened up on the triumph in an EXCLUSIVE with News18. The 19-year-old from Nagpur, who also earned the title of Grandmaster on the back of her crown in Batumi, expressed that the success hasn't completely sunk in yet and revealed how the even in Georgia was one of the most nerve-wrecking ones she has participated in. 'I have not had time to sink in the win," said the teenage GM. 'It was by far the most difficult and longest tournament. It was a do or die situation and a test of resilience," she added. Divya revealed that she was focused on making it to the summit clash throughout the duration of the tournament and once she secured her berth in the championship bout, she had just one objective in mind. Deshmukh got the better of another compatriot, GM Dronavalli Harika, and Tan Zhongyi of China en route to her final as the teenager demonstrated poise and patience throughout the campaign. Deshmukh got the better of her senior compatiot Koneru Humpy in the title clash to seal the victory and everything that goes with it. 'Until i reached finals, I was trying to just give my best everyday and when I reached finals, my goal was only to win this final," the GM said. 'Playing Against Koneru Humpy – Playing with her was not new for me. She is an incredible player. I was nervous after first round." Deshmukh was accompanied by her mother, who stood by her ward throught the tournament, much like she has done so for the entiriety of her daughter's fledgling career, and the wunderkind from Nagpur expressed her gratitude to her mum while also acknowledging her entire family and her coach. 'I thank my mother, coach and my family," Deshmukh added. view comments First Published: 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.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
At 19, Divya Deshmukh Makes Chess History for India
It was a final like no other — two Indian women, face to face, with a world title on the line. On one side of the board sat Koneru Humpy, one of the greats of the game. On the other, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh, fearless and sharp. The Women's Chess World Cup in Georgia had come down to a tense tiebreak. And in that pressure-cooked moment, it was Divya who found the winning move. The title was hers. It was a moment of triumph and a sign of change. This was the first-ever all-Indian final at the women's chess World Cup. Once unthinkable, now very real. For years, China set the pace in women's chess, just as the Soviets once ruled the men's game. But the old power structures are shifting. Indian men have already broken into the elite. And now, the women are rewriting the script. Guest: PK Ajith Kumar from The Hindu's Sports Bureau Host: Anupama Chandrasekaran Produced and edited by: Jude Francis Weston For more episodes of In Focus:
NDTV
01-08-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Divya Deshmukh Hopes Her Chess World Cup Win 'Motivates And Inspires Lot Of Young Girls'
FIDE Women's World Cup gold medallist, who also became the 88th Grandmaster of the country and 4th Indian woman to become a Grand Master Divya Deshmukh, believes her run at the tournament was a 'test of resilience' and hopes it motivates young girls to dream and achieve more on a global level. Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated Divya and her final opponent, Koneru Humpy in New Delhi on Friday. "I think this tournament has been the biggest task of resilience, and also it was such a long event, so it definitely tested my physical and emotional stamina and also how to handle my nerves in the crucial moments. "It (resiliency) is definitely one of the things that has helped me come this far; that and always always fighting to the end because I think that even in this tournament that has helped me a lot," Divya told IANS. The 19-year-old Divya stunned the chess world by winning the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025, becoming the first Indian woman to claim the prestigious title. In the all-Indian final, Divya defeated legendary compatriot Koneru Humpy 1.5-0.5 in the rapid tiebreaks on Monday to script a fairytale ending. "I would say it definitely helped chess in India and I'm hoping that it becomes motivation and inspiration for a lot of young girls that are out there and they are watching and are having big dreams, so I hope that they know that they can achieve them. I think it will hopefully play a small part," she added. The classical games played in the final had ended in tense draws, with both players showcasing resilience and elite-level play. But the tie-breaks were where the young sensation flipped the script. After the first rapid game ended in a draw, the second saw Humpy crack under time pressure, making critical blunders that Divya pounced on. With nerves of steel, Divya closed out the win to become the 2025 Women's World Cup champion, the fourth Indian woman to earn the Grandmaster title, and the country's 88th GM overall. "It has been very overwhelming coming to India seeing so much love from people, so much support from people. It has been really nice. It has been quite an exhausting trip and also an exhausting few days, but I don't think my heart could be any happier," she concluded. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
News18
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Divya Deshmukh Receives A Hero's Welcome Back In Nagpur After Historic World Cup Win: WATCH
Divya made history by becoming the first Indian champion of tthe FIDE Women's World Cup, defeating Koneru Humpy 2.5-1.5. She also became India's 88th Grandmaster. It was nothing short of a champion's celebration in Nagpur on Wednesday night, as the newly-crowned GM Divya Deshmukh made her way back home after her historic outing at the FIDE Women's World Cup. Divya etched her name into chess history, defeating fellow Indian compatriot Koneru Humpy with a score of 2.5-1.5 in the tiebreaks of the FIDE Women's World Cup Final to become the first-ever Indian champion of the esteemed tournament on Monday. Divya received a grand reception in Nagpur, with her relatives and fans arriving much in advance to receive her. '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," said Divya, about Joshi, who passed away in 2020 at just 40 years of age. 'My mother and father had a bigger role to play but definitely my whole family, my sister Arya Deshmukh, my grandmother, grandfather…I don't think whatever I will say will be enough (for my parents)." Divya received $50,000 as prize money on top of the coveted trophy. But, most importantly, with her win, she earned the nod to become a Grandmaster — thereby becoming India's 88th GM in chess history. She now also holds the title of Grandmaster, only the fourth Indian woman to do so, joining her opponent on the day, Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and R Vaishali. Usually, becoming a GM requires a player to win three GM norms and achieve a Standard (Classical) FIDE rating of 2500 or above. However, players can also do it by winning certain elite competitions, including the FIDE Women's World Cup. An emotional Divya couldn't hold back her tears following her victory, as she reflected on her journey to becoming a GM. 'I need time to process it (win). I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way, because before this (tournament) I didn't even have one (GM) norm, and now I am the Grandmaster," she said after the match. 'It definitely means a lot, but there's a lot more to achieve. So, hopefully, this is just the start." Elaborating on her future plans, Divya said she would take a break and then compete in the Grand Swiss, to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from September 2-16. 'I will take some rest this month and will play Grand Swiss next month." top videos View all With her win, Divya also secured a spot in next year's Candidates tournament, which will decide who will take on world champion Ju Wenjun of China in the Women's World Championship. (with PTI inputs) News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Chess chess news divya deshmukh FIDE FIDE world cup view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 30, 2025, 23:27 IST News sports Divya Deshmukh Receives A Hero's Welcome Back In Nagpur After Historic World Cup Win: WATCH 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.
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Kerala to host unique chess 20x20 league
As the chess world continues to applaud 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh's triumph over Koneru Humpy in the FIDE Women's World Cup final recently, the sport in India appears to be entering a defining moment. Divya's 1.5–0.5 win in the tiebreaks not only crowned her the 2025 World Cup Champion but also earned her the title of India's 88th grandmaster — another milestone in the nation's evolving chess landscape. While the nation celebrates, Kerala is preparing for a new chapter that aims to carry the excitement of the game beyond elite chess and into grassroots participation. The Kerala Premier Chess League (KPCL), set to take place on September 6 and 7 at Jimmy George Indoor Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, is set to debut as one of India's most ambitious team chess tournaments. Organised by the Premier Chess Academy, based in Thiruvananthapuram, the event is being touted as the world's first fixed 20-board format chess league (see box). 'Chess is usually seen as an individual sport, but here we are transforming it into a team-based format. From children to grandmasters, everyone can be part of the same team,' says Renjith Balakrishnan, CEO of Premier Chess Academy. 'Younger players will be inspired, watching and learning from senior ones, and it builds a strong motivational environment. That's one aspect. On the other side, team-based formats are more attractive to corporate sponsors, just like in other major sports leagues. We are trying to create a similar structure. Basically, we are building a template for how chess can evolve while celebrating regional identity. In many ways, this format democratises chess, ensuring that even a child's move carries the same weight as a grandmaster's.'
