Judit Polgar Praises Divya Deshmukh’s Historic Women’s World Cup Win: “Indian Chess is Unbelievable! But Do…”

The world of chess is buzzing after 19-year-old Indian prodigy Divya Deshmukh clinched the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, defeating seasoned compatriot Koneru Humpy in a nail-biting all-Indian final. The triumph not only etched Deshmukh’s name in history as the first Indian woman to win the prestigious title, but also earned her the coveted Grandmaster title, making her the fourth Indian woman to achieve this feat. Among the many to laud her performance, legendary Indian chess is just unbelievable widely considered the greatest female chess player of all time, expressed her awe, stating, “Indian chess is just unbelievable! But do not forget: it has reasons.”

Polgar’s emphatic declaration on social media platform X underscores the remarkable ascent of Indian chess on the global stage. Her words resonate deeply, coming from a player who shattered gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, reaching the top 10 in the world and famously defeating numerous male world champions, including Garry Kasparov. Her insight into the “reasons” behind India’s success points to a deeper transformation within the country’s chess landscape.

Divya Deshmukh’s victory is a testament to the immense talent pool that India has cultivated. Her journey through the tournament was marked by steely resolve and a calm demeanor, particularly evident in the tie-break against the vastly experienced Humpy. This win, alongside the recent triumph of D. Gukesh as the youngest World Chess Champion, signifies a significant shift in the balance of power in international chess.

The “reasons” Polgar alludes to are multi-faceted. The “Viswanathan Anand effect” is undeniably a major factor. Anand’s trailblazing journey to become a five-time World Champion inspired a generation, sparking a chess revolution across India. Coaching centers and chess clubs proliferated, nurturing young talents from diverse backgrounds. This grassroots movement has created an unprecedented competitive environment, pushing young players to excel.

Furthermore, India has been actively fostering a robust chess ecosystem. Initiatives aimed at promoting chess, coupled with increased accessibility to resources and training, have undoubtedly played a crucial role. The sheer number of young Indian Grandmasters emerging in recent years, both in the open and women’s sections, speaks volumes about the depth of talent and the effectiveness of these developmental programs.

However, Polgar’s subtle “But do not forget: it has reasons” also carries a nuanced message. It’s a reminder that this success isn’t by chance. It’s the culmination of dedicated effort, strategic investment, and a passionate commitment to the game. It suggests that while the current wave of Indian talent is astounding, sustaining this momentum requires continued support, rigorous training, and a focus on nurturing the next generation of champions.

Divya Deshmukh’s emotional reaction after her win, where she described her Grandmaster title as “fate,” highlights the sheer magnitude of her achievement. Having entered the tournament without a single GM norm, she clinched the title directly through her World Cup victory – a testament to the FIDE regulations that reward exceptional performance. Her win, along with Humpy’s strong showing, also guarantees India two spots in the prestigious Candidates Tournament, where players vie for the right to challenge the Women’s World Champion.

As India celebrates this historic triumph, Judit Polgar’s words serve as both a commendation and a call to action. Indian chess is indeed “unbelievable,” but the true challenge and opportunity lie in understanding and reinforcing the “reasons” that underpin this success, ensuring a lasting legacy for the sport in the nation.