Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, on July 28, 2025, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this title. She defeated fellow Indian and higher-ranked player Koneru Humpy in the final via tiebreakers. The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup was held from July 5-29 in Batumi, Georgia, and saw 107 players from 46 countries compete, including 17 of the world’s top 20 women players.
Key points of the event
- Historic victory: Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
- Grandmaster Title: This win earned Deshmukh the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title, making her the fourth Indian woman and the 88th Indian overall to achieve it. Notably, she achieved the GM title without prior GM norms, according to Firstpost.
- Final Match: The final was an all-Indian affair against Koneru Humpy. The two classical games ended in draws, leading to a tiebreaker. Divya won the second rapid tiebreaker game playing with the black pieces.
- Impact: The win secured Divya a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the Women’s World Championship title. Koneru Humpy and Tan Zhongyi also qualified for the Candidates by finishing second and third respectively.
- Recognition: Deshmukh was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also awarded her Rs 3 crore.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Regarding the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, which statement is factually INCORRECT?
a) It was a knockout tournament with a 7-round format
b) The event was held in Batumi, Georgia, a country known for producing legendary female chess players
c) Divya Deshmukh defeated Koneru Humpy in the classical games without any tiebreaks
d) The tournament awarded significant prize money and spots for the Candidates Tournament
Answer: c
Explanation: Statement (c) is Incorrect: The final match between Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy was tied after the two classical games (both ended in draws). Divya Deshmukh went on to win the championship through rapid tiebreaks
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