Divya beats World No. 2 in a Chess World Cup 2025
In a major surprise at the Chess World Cup 2025, 18-year-old Divya Deshmukh stunned the chess world by defeating the current World No. 2 player. Her game was bold, smart, and fearless. Divya carefully countered every move from her higher-ranked opponent and ultimately forced a win through deep strategy and accurate endgame play. This unexpected victory has brought global attention to her name and raised hopes for a new generation of Indian chess champions.
Humpy wins a close tiebreak battle
Koneru Humpy, one of India’s most experienced chess players, showed her class once again by winning a nerve-wracking tiebreak to enter the quarterfinals of Chess World Cup 2025. After the regular games ended in a draw, the match moved to rapid and blitz formats. Humpy used her years of experience and sharp tactics to take control in the faster games. Her calm mindset and strong defensive skills helped her dominate under pressure. This win proves that age and experience continue to play a crucial role in high-level chess.
Vaishali and Harika also move ahead
Along with Divya and Humpy, two more Indian women—Vaishali Rameshbabu and Dronavalli Harika—have secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Chess World Cup 2025. Vaishali showed great composure in her matches, while Harika used her solid positional style to edge past her opponents. Both players have been consistent performers on the international stage and have now added another strong tournament run to their records. Their success proves India’s growing depth in women’s chess, with multiple players reaching elite levels at the same time.
First time 4 Indian women reach quarterfinals
This is the first time ever that four Indian women have made it to the quarterfinals of the Chess World Cup. This historic milestone is not only a proud moment for the country but also a sign of changing times in Indian sports. It shows how far women’s chess has come in India—from a niche sport to a platform where Indian women are now strong contenders for global titles. It also reflects the results of years of investment in chess training and infrastructure.
Divya vs Harika next – an all-Indian match
The next round brings an exciting twist—Divya Deshmukh will face Dronavalli Harika in an all-Indian clash. This guarantees at least one Indian player in the semi-finals. The match will be closely watched, as both players have very different styles. While Harika is known for her calm and calculated play, Divya often plays aggressive and creative moves. Their duel will not only be thrilling for fans but also a reflection of the diverse talent pool in Indian women’s chess.
According to ESPN, this achievement has already been recognized internationally, and praise is pouring in from all corners for the Indian contingent.
India is rising fast in women’s Chess World Cup 2025.
India is now being seen as a rising superpower in women’s chess. More girls are taking up the game at a young age, and training programs across the country are helping them grow. The performances at the Chess World Cup 2025 show that India has not one, but several players ready to compete at the highest level. This rise is also inspiring future players and pushing state federations to provide better resources for women in chess.
FIDE praises Indian players’ strong performance
The world governing body for chess, FIDE, has publicly praised the Indian players for their outstanding performance. In official statements, FIDE called India’s rise in women’s chess “historic” and noted how Indian players are bringing balance to a game long dominated by Western and Russian players. Such global recognition boosts morale and brings much-needed attention to the importance of gender diversity in global sports.
What this means for the future
With at least one Indian player set to enter the semi-finals, India’s hopes for a title are alive and strong. Regardless of the final outcomes, this event will go down as a turning point for Indian women’s chess. The Chess World Cup 2025 has not only showcased our talent but also proved that Indian women can take on—and beat—the best in the world.
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