Meet Divya Deshmukh India’s New Chess Queen with a Calm Like Dhoni
Meet Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old sensation from Nagpur, who has captured the attention of the global chess community by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia. Her victory has not only earned her India’s fourth-ever female Grandmaster title but also placed her among the fiercest names in modern chess. Known for her ice-cool nerves and aggressive game play, Divya’s style is now being compared to none other than MS Dhoni for her finishing power and calm presence in crunch situations.
Her win came in dramatic fashion, beating Indian chess legend Koneru Humpy—twice her age through a nerve-wracking tiebreak. The match, after two classical draws, shifted into the rapid round where Divya played with confidence and control, eventually sealing the deal with a flawless endgame. As the final handshake was exchanged, tears and celebration followed. For Indian chess, a new queen had arrived.
Meet Divya Deshmukh and Her Journey from Accidental Start to Global Champion
Meet Divya Deshmukh, Divya’s journey into chess began not with intention but by accident. Originally enrolled to accompany her elder sister to badminton, she was too short to manage the net. Luckily, a nearby chess class offered an alternative. Her parents signed her up, and what followed was the emergence of a natural talent. Raised in Nagpur by doctor parents, Divya quickly showed promise and competitive grit.
By the age of 13, she had already started making waves at youth events. Her calmness during tense matches made her stand out, and by 2018, her coach Srinath Narayanan had noticed her exceptional ability to perform under pressure. In the final round of the U-16 Olympiad in Turkey, she defeated a strong Iranian player, helping India win silver and solidifying her reputation as a big-game player.
But her rise hasn’t been linear. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed her competitive growth for nearly two years. Still, by 2023, she returned stronger than ever, winning the World U-20 Girls’ Championship and playing a key role in India’s gold-medal finish at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Also Read : 7 Historic Triumphs: Divya Deshmukh Crowned FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup Champion, Inspiring a New Era for Indian Chess
Meet Divya Deshmukh India’s Youngest Grandmaster in Style, Not Convention
Meet Divya Deshmukh, Divya’s Grandmaster title did not follow the usual route. Most GMs earn their stripes by achieving three norms and surpassing a 2500 FIDE rating. But her World Cup triumph meant automatic qualification for the title under FIDE rules. Until the tournament began, she hadn’t even secured a single GM norm.
“I didn’t even know where I’d get my norm from,” she said with a laugh after her victory. “And now I’m a Grandmaster. It feels surreal.”
In addition to the Grandmaster title, she also booked her seat at the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament bringing her a step closer to the Women’s World Championship. The journey from Nagpur to global fame in just over a decade speaks to her dedication and flair.
Thank you very much Sir.
मनःपूर्वक आभार 🙏 https://t.co/nPZRTqmBXd— Divya Deshmukh (@DivyaDeshmukh05) July 28, 2025
Her playing style is bold and dynamic. She embraces sharp tactical lines, thrives in complex positions, and plays fearlessly against the best. Just a month before the World Cup, Divya defeated current World No. 1 Hou Yifan in a spectacular rapid game in London, proving she can compete and win against anyone.
Conclusion:
Meet Divya Deshmukh, the newest face of India’s chess revolution. With her nerves of steel, fearless tactics, and humble spirit, she is becoming a true icon of the sport. At just 19, her historic World Cup win marks the beginning of what promises to be a glittering career. Like Dhoni on the cricket field, Divya is showing the world how champions are made not just with talent, but with timing, temperament, and a quiet confidence that’s impossible to ignore.
