Sports

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship


India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.

National

Divya Deshmukh Receives Hero’s Welcome in Nagpur After Historic Women’s World Cup Chess Win


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

July 31, Nagpur: Divya Deshmukh, India’s rising chess sensation, returned to her hometown of Nagpur to a grand reception after her stunning victory at the Women’s Chess World Cup in Batumi, Georgia.

At just 19 years old, Divya made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious title, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in a high-stakes tie-breaker after their classical games ended in a draw.

“I am feeling very happy that so many people have come to felicitate me, and chess is getting recognition,” she said, visibly moved by the overwhelming support.

Originally aiming only to secure a Grandmaster norm, Divya ended the tournament with much more: the World Cup trophy, the Grandmaster title, and a confirmed spot in the FIDE Candidates 2025, the final step toward challenging for the World Championship.

Divya’s victory was as emotional as it was historic. She paid tribute to her late coach Rahul Joshi, who passed away in 2020:

“He always wanted me to become the Grandmaster. This is for him.”

She also credited her parents, sister Arya, extended family, and coach GM Abhijit Kunte, whom she called her “lucky charm.”

Looking ahead, Divya plans to rest through August and then prepare for her next major challenge — the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 2–16.

Her victory signals a new era for Indian women in chess, proving that passion, preparation, and perseverance can defy even the steepest odds.

Sports

FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 Final to Feature Two Indian Chess Queens: Koneru Humpy vs Divya Deshmukh


Batumi, Georgia | July 24, 2025 — In an unprecedented moment for Indian chess, the final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 will be contested entirely between two Indian playersKoneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh.

This is the first time in history that two Indians — and two Indian women — have reached the finals of a global chess World Cup.

🧠 Experience vs Youth

  • Koneru Humpy, one of India’s most celebrated grandmasters, brings years of experience, poise, and a legacy of elite-level chess.
  • Divya Deshmukh, just 18, has been the breakout star of the tournament, defeating top-ranked players including former World Champion Mariya Muzychuk in the semi-finals.

🗓️ The Final Match

  • Date: July 25, 2025
  • Location: Batumi, Georgia
  • Format: Classical games followed by tie-breaks if needed

This final not only ensures India will claim the title but also marks a symbolic generational handoff — as a future star challenges a living legend.

“This final is not just about a trophy. It’s a victory for Indian women in sport, a showcase of talent, and a story that will inspire millions,” said a representative from the All India Chess Federation.

📈 India’s Rising Chess Power

With names like Vishy Anand, Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Nihal Sarin, Vaishali, Divya, and Humpy — India’s presence in world chess is at an all-time high.

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Becomes First Indian Woman to Enter FIDE World Cup Final


Batumi, Georgia | July 24, 2025 — In a watershed moment for Indian chess, Divya Deshmukh, just 18 years old, has become the first Indian woman to reach the final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup.

Facing off against former World Champion Mariya Muzychuk in the semi-finals, Divya displayed fearless tactical aggression combined with razor-sharp positional play, defeating the Ukrainian grandmaster in a high-stakes thriller.

The Rise of a Young Champion

Divya’s World Cup journey has captured global attention, not only for her age but for the maturity and confidence she’s brought to every board. This latest victory under pressure cements her as one of the most promising young stars in the international chess arena.

“She played fearlessly, out-calculating a former World Champion under pressure — it’s a performance for the ages,” said a FIDE commentator post-match.

Final Showdown Awaits

Divya will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Koneru Humpy, India’s most decorated female chess player, and Lei Tingjie of China. The final is scheduled to take place on July 25 in Batumi.

If she wins, Divya will not only become a World Cup Champion but will also solidify her place among India’s chess greats — alongside Vishwanathan Anand, Humpy, and Harika Dronavalli.

Inspiring the Next Generation

This milestone is more than just personal glory — it’s a powerful symbol of India’s growing dominance in world chess, particularly in women’s sport.

Her rise from national prodigy to global finalist is inspiring a generation of young players, especially girls, to pursue the sport seriously.