Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh achieved a major career milestone by defeating reigning World No.1 Hou Yifan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded her for this exceptional victory, calling it a proud moment for Indian chess on the global stage.
In a sensational performance that stunned the international chess community, India’s rising chess star Divya Deshmukh defeated World No.1 Grandmaster Hou Yifan in an elite online tournament. This landmark victory not only cements Divya’s position among the brightest young talents in global chess but also ignited widespread applause, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally congratulated the 18-year-old sensation.
Image source:- timeofindia
The Victory That Made Headlines
Divya Deshmukh, a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) from Nagpur, pulled off a tactical masterclass against the Chinese chess legend in the 2025 Cairns Cup Blitz Event. Hou Yifan, considered one of the strongest female players in history, was outmaneuvered by Divya’s sharp middle-game tactics and composed endgame strategy.
Her win was celebrated across social media, with fans, chess analysts, and top players praising her calm under pressure and her fearless approach against a world champion.
PM Modi’s Message
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to express pride in the achievement:
“Proud of Divya Deshmukh’s remarkable win over Hou Yifan. Her determination and brilliance continue to inspire the youth of India. More power to her!”
Who Is Divya Deshmukh?
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Age: 18
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Title: Woman Grandmaster (WGM)
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Achievements: National Women’s Chess Champion (2022), Asian Continental Champion, part of India’s Olympiad-winning team
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Playing Style: Aggressive, unpredictable, with strong endgame prowess
Divya began playing chess at the age of 5 and has consistently been ranked among the top junior players globally. She’s also balancing her academics and chess commitments with finesse.
