Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy Felicitated for Historic FIDE Women’s WC Feat

In a celebratory recognition of Indian chess’s soaring triumph on the world stage, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy for their remarkable achievements at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 held in Batumi, Georgia. The prestigious event, which concluded on July 28, saw a historic all-Indian final—a first in the history of the Women’s World Cup.

The felicitation ceremony, held in New Delhi, was a stirring moment for Indian sports. While rising prodigy Divya Deshmukh was present to receive the honour in person, veteran Grandmaster (GM) Koneru Humpy joined virtually to mark the occasion.

All-Indian Final Ushers in a New Era for Chess in India

The 2025 edition of the FIDE Women’s World Cup turned into a glorious chapter in Indian chess as 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh, hailing from Nagpur, defeated her idol and senior counterpart Koneru Humpy in a closely contested final. After two tightly-fought classical games ended in draws, Divya prevailed in the rapid tiebreaks, clinching the title and etching her name in history as:

• The first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup

• The youngest ever to win the title globally

• The 88th Grandmaster of India

• Only the 4th Indian woman to attain the GM title

Her route to the crown was formidable—beating seasoned campaigners such as Zhu Jiner, Tan Zhongyi, and fellow Indian Harika Dronavalli. In the process, Divya also secured her first GM norm, signifying a meteoric rise in the world of chess.

Minister Applauds Generational Brilliance

At the felicitation, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya lauded both players, stating, “You are symbols of India's sporting potential. Grandmasters like you will inspire an entire generation of Indian youth to pursue sports, particularly intellectual sports like chess, with renewed enthusiasm.”

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized chess as India’s ancient legacy and modern strength: “India gave chess to the world. Now, India is reclaiming its stature as a chess superpower.”

The Minister also acknowledged Koneru Humpy’s iconic role in shaping India’s chess story. “I remember watching Humpy’s matches with my children. Her journey has inspired not just aspiring players, but also parents to support their daughters in sports,” he said.

Divya: “I Feel the Nation is Behind Me”

In her acceptance remarks, Divya Deshmukh expressed gratitude and humility. “I am very happy the title has come to India. Humpy played brilliantly and I look up to her a lot. The greatest joy was knowing that India would win, regardless of the outcome.”

She added, “Being felicitated by the Hon’ble Minister is incredibly motivating. It shows that the nation supports its athletes. I want to thank the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for backing chess consistently. This kind of support will surely take the game to new heights.”

Humpy Reflects on Her Journey

Joining the event virtually, Koneru Humpy, who became a Grandmaster at just 15 years old in 2002, offered her perspective. “It was a long and challenging tournament, and I’m glad to have reached the final. Playing an all-Indian final, that too against someone from a younger generation, was a very proud moment.”

Humpy noted how the final symbolized the rise of Indian women in chess, with experience and youth meeting at the pinnacle of competition.

Looking Ahead: India’s Chess Renaissance

The timing of this triumph couldn’t be more symbolic, as India prepares to host the FIDE Men’s World Cup 2025 in Goa this October. Minister Mandaviya pointed to the increasing stature of Indian chess globally and reiterated the government's determination to elevate sports infrastructure and policy.

He cited reforms such as:

• The recently announced Khelo Bharat Niti, which lays down a national sports development strategy

• The upcoming National Sports Governance Bill, to be tabled in Parliament, aimed at ensuring transparency, athlete-centric systems, and structured investment in sporting excellence

“The world is watching India’s rise in sports,” said Dr. Mandaviya. “Victories like this show that we are not only investing in medals, but in a culture of excellence.”

A Broader Revolution in Indian Sports

The Minister also highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of India’s sports revolution:

• Nearly 50% of startups in sports and fitness are now from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities

• Women athletes, including chess players, are rising across regions and social strata

• National programs are focused on integrating tribal, rural, and youth participation into mainstream sports

Two Queens, One Nation, A Shared Legacy

As the applause for Divya and Humpy echoed through the ceremony, it was evident that Indian chess is at a transformational moment. With the baton of excellence being passed across generations, the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 will be remembered as the tournament where India not only competed—but conquered.