New Delhi

Teenager Divya Deshmukh’s stunning triumph at the Women’s Chess World Cup in Batumi this year underlined India’s staggering depth of talent and reinforced its emergence as the new global hub of the sport, even as reigning world champion D Gukesh endured an underwhelming season after a promising start.

Just as the aura surrounding Gukesh — crowned world champion in 2024 — appeared to dim following a string of setbacks, the 19-year-old Divya rose from relative anonymity to achieve three career-defining milestones with a single, signature victory.

Divya became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, secured the prestigious Grandmaster title without having to fulfil the usual norm requirements, and earned automatic qualification for the 2026 Candidates tournament, where the winner will challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun of China.

The Nagpur-based teenager, whose parents are doctors, also altered the landscape of women’s chess in India, which for nearly two decades had been led by stalwarts Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika.

While Divya’s ascent marked a defining moment, success proved elusive for Gukesh, whose year was marked by inconsistency after it began with a runner-up finish at the Tata Steel Chess Masters in Wijk Aan Zee.

After scaling the summit in 2024, Gukesh struggled to consolidate his gains. Countryman R Praggnanandhaa upstaged him at the Tata Steel Masters, defeating the world champion in a tense blitz tie-breaker to claim the title.

Gukesh suffered early exits at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam and the FIDE World Cup in Goa, and finished well below expectations at the FIDE Grand Swiss. In a season when consolidation was expected, the 19-year-old instead found himself battling form and confidence.

There were, however, flashes of brilliance. His victory over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess in Stavanger was the standout moment of his year, triggering a viral reaction after a visibly shaken Carlsen slammed the table and muttered in frustration before leaving the hall.

The image of Gukesh’s calm demeanour after that win found its way beyond chess circles, with French football club Paris Saint-Germain using it to celebrate their maiden UEFA Champions League triumph, garnering millions of impressions on social media.

Gukesh also tasted success at the European Club Cup in October, winning individual gold and helping his team SuperChess clinch the title. Still, these moments stood out in an otherwise barren year across classical, rapid and blitz formats.

Carlsen, despite that setback, went on to win his seventh Norway Chess title and continued to dominate the global circuit across formats.

India’s inability to capitalise on home advantage at the FIDE World Cup in Goa was another disappointment. Despite fielding a strong contingent, including Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, P Harikrishna and Vidit Gujrathi, none managed to secure a Candidates berth from the event.

Instead, Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi and Andrey Esipenko sealed qualification for the Candidates tournament in Cyprus next year.

Praggnanandhaa eventually salvaged Indian pride by qualifying for the Candidates via the FIDE Circuit 2025, topping the standings with consistent performances, including a strong showing at the London Chess Classic. He became the first Indian male player to qualify for the World Championship challenger event through the circuit route.

India’s rise since Viswanathan Anand became the country’s first Grandmaster in 1988 has been remarkable. As the calendar turns towards 2026, the nation boasts 91 Grandmasters, with several more on the brink.

Those who earned the GM title in 2025 include LR Srihari, Harikrishnan A Ra, Divya Deshmukh, S Rohith Krishna, Ilamparthi AR and Raahul VS.

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Adding to the sense of a chess boom, Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha of Madhya Pradesh became the youngest player to be listed on the FIDE rating list at just three years, seven months and 20 days, reinforcing the belief that India’s conveyor belt of talent shows no sign of slowing down.