Anand Calls Divya’s World Cup Win a ‘Thrilling Display of Skill’

28 July-Kolkata, India: The FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 final was all-Indian, and the 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh won the championship on Monday after defeating the 38-year-old Koneru Humpy. After her victory, the 19-year-old broke down and started crying. The legendary former Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand posted on X to congratulate the 19-year-old on her victory.

After her win, she went to her mother, who was nearby, to celebrate her victory, where they hugged each other affectionately and when Divya’s mother attempted to soothe her, happy tears were streaming down her cheeks. Eventually, she composed herself and went to her post-match interview, where she once again lost control of her emotions, which also demonstrated how crucial the victory was.

Viswanathan Anand praises Divya Deshmukh’s victory

The former 55-year old Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand posted on X in which he critically praised the victory of the 19-year old Divya Deshmukh, and also praised the 38-year old Humpy Koneru.

Viswanathan Anand stated in his official X that “Congratulations to @Divyadeshmukh05 on winning the World Cup. Becoming GM and a spot in the candidates. Amazing battle of nerves. @humpy_koneru played a very good event and showed a commendable fighting spirit . The great champion she is! It was a great celebration of Indian chess, particularly Women’s chess.”

Divya Deshmukh speaks on her Victory

Both Saturday’s and Sunday’s classical matches ended in draws, setting up a classic final. Then, Divya prevailed 1.5-0.5 in the tie-breaks. After the first Rapid game finished in a draw, Divya won the title with a spectacular victory using the Black pieces in the second game. By making it to the finals, she had already secured a spot at the Candidates Tournament.

The 19-year old spoke on her victory during the post mtach interview where she stated that “I need time to process it (win). I think it was fate, me getting the Grandmaster title this way because before this (tournament) I didn’t even have one (GM) norm, and now I am the Grandmaster.”