The Women’s Chess World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, was a spectacle. Divya’s path to the title was no easy feat. She faced top global players, dismantling formidable opponents, including China’s chess giants. The final against Humpy, a former World Rapid Champion, went to a tense tiebreak. Divya’s composure under pressure sealed the win.
Her victory sparked celebrations across India. Fans mobbed her upon her return, eager to glimpse the new chess sensation. A viral moment captured Divya in tears, embracing her mother after the win. It was a heartwarming scene that resonated widely on social media.
Gukesh Salutes Divya’s Feat
World Chess Champion D Gukesh, who has known Divya since childhood, was full of praise. “We grew up playing the same tournaments,” he said at a recent event. “Divya’s win is inspiring. The World Cup is brutal, you play for a month straight. I’ve been there twice, so I know how tough it is.”
Gukesh, who won the men’s world title in December 2024, highlighted the significance of India’s success. “Both Divya and Humpy played brilliantly. It’s huge for Indian chess to shine in both men’s and women’s events,” he added. He’s now gearing up for the Men’s Chess World Cup, set to take place in India from October 30 to November 27, 2025. “It’s a big deal to host this knockout event. I’m excited to compete,” he said.
A New Era for Indian Women’s Chess
Divya’s triumph marks a turning point. Indian men’s chess has already taken the world by storm, with players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi dominating global rankings. Now, the women are stepping up. Divya, at 19, is only the fourth Indian woman to earn the Grandmaster title, following Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R Vaishali.
Her coach, RB Ramesh, believes this is just the beginning. “Divya’s GM title is a game-changer,” he said. “It’ll inspire young girls to take chess seriously. She could hit a 2650 rating and become India’s strongest female player.” But he also sounded a note of caution. “We need more depth in women’s chess. Unlike the men, where we have multiple top-20 players, women’s chess needs more talents to emerge.”
Young Talents on the Rise
While Divya stole the spotlight, another young star is making waves. Fourteen-year-old Prishita Gupta, a Women’s FIDE Master, stunned the chess world in France. At the Paris Masters and the 2nd Dole Trophy Pasino Grand Aix Masters 2025, she gained 135 Elo points, boosting her rating to 2353. Just three years ago, her rating was a modest 1300. Now, she’s India’s eighth-highest-rated female player and has earned her first Women’s International Master norm.
Prishita’s meteoric rise mirrors the broader surge in Indian chess. “The talent factory is churning,” said GM Abhijeet Kunte, who led India’s women to their first-ever Chess Olympiad gold in 2024. “Divya’s win, like Gukesh’s world title, can spark a domino effect. We’re seeing a new generation rise.”
The China Challenge
Despite India’s progress, China remains the Goliath in women’s chess. The top five female players globally are Chinese, with stars like Hou Yifan and Ju Wenjun dominating for a decade. Divya and Humpy’s performance in Georgia, where they toppled Chinese players, signals India’s intent to challenge this dominance. Emerging talents like Vantika Agrawal and Prishita Gupta add to the optimism, but closing the gap will take time.
Ramesh remains hopeful. “Humpy, at 38, is still world-class. Divya and others are coming up fast. We just need more young girls to join the game and stick with it.”
Divya’s World Cup win has earned her a ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, where she’ll compete for a shot at the Women’s World Championship title. Humpy, as the finalist, also qualified. For Indian chess fans, this is a dream scenario—two Indian women vying for the ultimate prize.
As India prepares to host the Men’s Chess World Cup in 2025, the nation’s chess fever shows no signs of cooling. With Divya leading the charge and young stars like Prishita on the rise, Indian chess is poised for global domination. The board is set, and the moves are getting bolder.
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