India made history at the 2025 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Toronto with an all-Indian final between Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. This is the first time four Indian women — Divya, Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and Vaishali Rameshbabu — reached the quarterfinals, showing India’s growing strength in chess.
Divya Deshmukh, just 19, defeated Humpy 2.5–1.5 to become the youngest Indian to win this title. She’s set to receive the Grandmaster (GM) title and won $50,000 (₹43.38 lakh).
Koneru Humpy, a former world champion, was the runner-up and won $35,000 (₹30.39 lakh). Both have qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Historic Moment for Indian Chess
In a landmark moment for Indian chess, the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament held in Toronto saw an all-Indian final between Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, highlighting India’s rising power in the chess world.
This remarkable achievement marked the first time that four Indian women—Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, Dronavalli Harika, and Vaishali Rameshbabu—advanced to the quarterfinals of such a prestigious tournament, underscoring the strength of Indian women in global chess.
Both finalists, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy, have now secured their places in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.
Highlights from the 2025 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament
The tournament was held in Toronto, Canada, from July 5 to July 29, 2025. With 46 countries and 107 players participating, the event drew global attention, and the Indian chess contingent made a powerful impression.
Divya Deshmukh:
- At just 19, Divya Deshmukh created history by becoming the first Indian teenager to win this prestigious title.
- Final Match Victory: She defeated senior Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy with a score of 2.5–1.5 in the final.
- Displaying exceptional skill in endgames, time control, and tactical positioning, Divya dominated the board.
- Grandmaster Title: She is now expected to be officially awarded the Grandmaster (GM) title soon. She would become the second Indian woman to achieve this after Koneru Humpy.
- Semi-Final Performance: She defeated China’s Zhongyi Tan with a 3–1 score in the semifinals.
- Prize Money: She won a prize of $50,000 (approximately ₹43.38 lakh).
Koneru Humpy:
- A legend in Indian chess, Humpy has been a pillar of strength for two decades.
- Achievements: Former World Rapid Champion and FIDE Women’s Grand Prix Champion (2019, 2024).
- Semi-Final Victory: She beat Ukraine’s Mariya Muzychuk with a 3–2 score in the semifinals.
- Prize Money: She received $35,000 (approximately ₹30.39 lakh) as runner-up.
