In a historic moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur defeated World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the second leg of the Blitz semifinal at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2025, held in London from June 10–16. Representing Hexamind Chess Club, Divya showcased exceptional skill and composure in a thrilling 74-move rook-vs-bishop endgame, securing a landmark victory that has
captivated the global chess community. Her achievement earned praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded her “grit and determination” on X, inspiring aspiring chess players worldwide.
Here’s a deep dive into Divya’s triumph, her journey, and its impact on Indian chess.

Divya Deshmukh’s Historic Victory Over Hou Yifan

Divya Deshmukh, the World Junior No. 1, faced off against Chinese chess titan Hou Yifan, representing WR Chess Team, in the Blitz semifinal’s second leg on June 15, 2025. After losing to Yifan in the first leg, Divya bounced back with remarkable resilience. Playing with the white pieces, she capitalized on her opening advantage and managed the clock expertly—a critical skill in the fast-paced 3+2 Blitz
format. The game culminated in a tense endgame where Yifan blundered her bishop, allowing Divya to clinch a 74-move masterpiece. This victory helped Hexamind Chess Club secure a 3-3 draw in the second mini-match against WR Chess, paving the way for their bronze medal in the Blitz format.

Divya’s performance was stellar throughout the Blitz event, with six wins, one draw, and just one loss in eight games, achieving an elite performance rating of 2606. She later dominated the third-place playoff, helping Hexamind defeat Uzbekistan 3.5–2.5 in both rounds to claim the team bronze. In the Rapid format, Divya contributed to a team silver and earned an individual bronze on Board 6 with a performance rating of 2420, scoring five wins, six draws, and one loss in 12 games.

Prime Minister Modi’s Praise and National Recognition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Divya’s achievement on X, posting, “Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh on defeating the World No.
1, Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London. Her success highlights her grit and determination. It also inspires many upcoming chess players. Best wishes for her future endeavours.” Divya responded, expressing her gratitude: “Thank you, Respected Sir. It is a great honour and encouragement for me to be recognised by the Prime Minister.”

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also praised Divya, calling her win a “stunning” feat and wishing her success in future endeavors. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed her as a pride of Nagpur, emphasizing her fearless moves and sharp focus. The widespread recognition underscores Divya’s role as a rising star in India’s chess renaissance.

Who Is Divya Deshmukh?

Born in Nagpur, Maharashtra, to doctor parents Jitendra and Namratha, Divya fell in love with chess at age five. She won the Under-7 National Championship at seven in 2012, marking the start of her meteoric rise. Now 19, Divya holds the title of International Master (IM) with an Elo rating of 2343 in Blitz and 2386 in Rapid. Her accolades include multiple national and international titles, and she is the reigning World Junior Girls Champion. Her performance at London 2025—earning team silver (Rapid), team bronze (Blitz), and individual bronze—solidifies her as a global contender.

Divya’s journey reflects her dedication and tactical brilliance. Her ability to outplay a seasoned grandmaster like Hou Yifan, a former Women’s World Champion, highlights her potential to challenge for top honors in the future.

Impact on Indian Chess

Divya’s victory is part of India’s growing dominance in global chess. The country has produced talents like D. Gukesh, the reigning World Champion, who defeated Magnus Carlsen in classical chess, and R.
Praggnanandhaa, who secured second place in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial. Arjun Erigaisi and Aravindh Chithambaram also shone in recent tournaments, reinforcing India’s status as a chess powerhouse.

The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2025 saw 12 Indian players, including Vishy Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin, compete among nearly 60 teams. Divya’s success, alongside
her teammates’ achievements, has inspired a new generation of players, particularly young women, to pursue chess with passion. Social media posts on X echoed this sentiment, with fans calling her a “new star” in Indian chess.

The World Team Blitz Championships 2025: A Global Stage

Held at Novotel London West from June 10–16, the third edition of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships featured over 50 teams, each with at least one female player and one recreational player
(rated below 2000). The Rapid event (15+10 time control) followed a 12-round Swiss format, while Blitz (3+2) included a round-robin group stage and knockouts. The total prize fund was €500,000, with €310,000 for Rapid and €190,000 for Blitz.

WR Chess Team, led by Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, and Hou Yifan, won the Blitz title, while Team MGD1 claimed the Rapid gold. Hexamind, with stars like Levon Aronian, Anish Giri, and Divya, finished third in Blitz and second in Rapid, showcasing their depth. Divya’s win over Yifan was a highlight, drawing comparisons to Gukesh’s upset over Carlsen.

What’s Next for Divya Deshmukh?

Divya’s triumph in London positions her as a contender for future individual world championships. Her ability to perform under pressure against top players like Yifan signals a bright future. As she continues to hone her skills, chess enthusiasts eagerly await her next moves. Her social media post captured her joy: “Finally, what seemed like an eternity is over—World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships! The team finished second in rapid and third in blitz. Had an amazing experience with the team!”

Conclusion

Divya Deshmukh’s victory over World No. 1 Hou Yifan at the World Team Blitz Championships 2025 is a defining moment for Indian chess. Her tactical brilliance, resilience, and composure have earned her global acclaim and national pride. As India continues to produce world-class chess talent, Divya stands out as a beacon of inspiration for young players, particularly in the NRI community. Follow NRIGlobe for more updates on her journey and other stories shaping the Indian diaspora.

Sources: The New Indian, Times of India, Chess.com, SocialNews.XYZ, FIDE

Keywords: Divya Deshmukh, Hou Yifan, World Team Blitz Championships 2025, Indian chess, FIDE, Blitz semifinal, PM Modi, Nagpur, Hexamind Chess Club, chess news

Published: June 19, 2025 | NRIGlobe