Divya Deshmukh: India's Rising Chess Prodigy Becomes Grandmaster

Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh has achieved a landmark victory by clinching the FIDE Women's World Cup. On Monday, Deshmukh overcame a seasoned compatriot, Koneru Humpy, in a tense tie-breaker to secure the title.

This victory not only made the 19-year-old Nagpur native a Grandmaster—a feat that seemed improbable at the tournament's onset—but also puts her among the elite as only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this distinction.

Deshmukh's win comes during a wave of success for Indian chess, especially in men's categories. Her accomplishment grants her a place in the upcoming Candidates tournament, positioning her as a contender in the fight to take on China's Ju Wenjun for the Women's World Championship.

(With inputs from agencies.)