PM Modi Congratulates Divya Deshmukh on Iconic Win Against World No. 1 in Chess

Young Chess Sensation Divya Deshmukh Makes India Proud at London Blitz Tournament

New Delhi, 19 June 2025

In a major breakthrough for Indian chess, 18-year-old Divya Deshmukh delivered a sensational performance by defeating Chinese grandmaster Hou Yifan, currently ranked as the world’s top female chess player. The dramatic win came during the second leg of the Blitz semifinal at the prestigious World Team Blitz Championship in London.

Representing Hexamind Chess Club, Divya showcased nerves of steel in a high-stakes 74-move clash. Despite losing the first leg of the match, she bounced back with determination and precision. The turning point came when Hou Yifan made a rare but decisive endgame mistake—losing her bishop in a theoretically drawn rook versus bishop setup. Divya capitalized on the error brilliantly, turning the tide in her favor.

PM Modi’s Words of Praise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the young chess prodigy’s incredible feat on social media. In a post, he wrote:

“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.”

His words struck a chord with fans and chess enthusiasts alike, adding national recognition to Divya’s global milestone.

Medal-Winning Performance

Divya’s performance wasn’t just about one victory. She ended the blitz event with an impressive tally—six wins, one draw, and one loss, achieving a performance rating of 2606. Her consistent showing played a crucial role in helping her team win a bronze medal in the blitz format and a silver medal in the rapid event.

Rising Star of Indian Chess Divya Deshmukh

At just 18, Divya Deshmukh’s poise and tactical brilliance have earned her a place among India’s most promising chess stars. Her recent win is not only a personal milestone but also a source of inspiration for aspiring young players, particularly women in chess. With this victory, she has firmly cemented her presence on the global chess map.