Judit Polgar impressed with Divya Deshmukh's Women's World Cup victory, says ‘Indian chess is unbelievable! But do…'

By Admin

29 Jul, 2025

In a historic all-Indian final that captured the imagination of the chess world, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh scripted a fairytale ending by defeating the legendary Koneru Humpy to win the 2025 FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup. The win not only earned her the prestigious title but also elevated her to the status of India’s 88th Grandmaster a feat she achieved in the very tournament where she was still an underdog.

A Hollywood-Style Rise to Glory

Divya’s journey to the top feels straight out of a movie. She wasn’t even a Grandmaster before this tournament began. But as the rounds progressed, the young star from Nagpur kept her composure and defeated seasoned players, culminating in a dramatic tie-break victory over Humpy. With this monumental win, Divya has also secured a berth in the Candidates Tournament, further cementing her status as one of the brightest talents in Indian chess.

The final, held over the weekend, saw both classical games end in draws. But in the rapid tie-breaks, Divya held her nerve. After drawing the first rapid game, she clinched the second to win 1.5-0.5 and lift the crown.

An Emotional Win That Moved Millions

The moment the game ended, emotions overwhelmed Divya. The enormity of her achievement hit her hard beating a seasoned opponent like Humpy in a World Cup final is no small feat. She broke down in tears, rushed to her mother on the sidelines, and shared a heartfelt embrace. The raw emotion of that moment has gone viral on social media, resonating deeply with fans around the world.

Judit Polgar’s Heartfelt Reaction

Even chess legend Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player in history, was moved by Divya’s performance. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Polgar praised the young Indian Grandmaster:

“Congrats to @DivyaDeshmukh05, who has clinched the 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup title, defeating her compatriot Koneru Humpy in a tense tiebreak.”

She added with admiration:

“Indian chess is just unbelievable! But do not forget: it has reasons.”

Polgar’s words echo what many in the chess community are feeling India’s rise in the sport is nothing short of spectacular.

Indian Chess on the Rise

Divya’s triumph is yet another chapter in India’s chess revolution. The country has seen an explosion of talent and success in recent years. D Gukesh became the Men’s World Champion last year, while stars like R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, R Vaishali, and Koneru Humpy continue to showcase India's growing dominance in global chess.

Divya’s win also saw her rise from 18th to 15th in the Classical live chess rankings, marking her as a player to watch in future tournaments.

Congratulations Pour In

The entire nation has rallied behind Divya, with congratulatory messages flooding X. From fans to chess enthusiasts to national leaders, everyone is celebrating her inspiring journey. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chess legend Viswanathan Anand joined the chorus of praise for the young Grandmaster from Nagpur.

Final Thoughts

Divya Deshmukh’s victory is more than just a tournament win it’s a symbol of India’s new chess era. With young prodigies stepping up and legends paving the way, Indian chess is reaching extraordinary heights. And as Judit Polgar aptly put it, "It has reasons."

One thing is clear: the world is watching, and the future of Indian chess has never looked brighter.