Divya Deshmukh stuns World No. 1 Hou Yifan at World Blitz Team Chess Championship

NAGPUR: Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh pulled off a remarkable victory at the World Blitz Team Chess Championship, defeating Chinese Grandmaster and World No. 1 Hou Yifan in a gripping encounter that showcased her growing stature in international chess.

Thank you, Respected Sir It is a great honor and encouragement for me to be recognized by the Prime Minister. https://t.co/wehjGc9b5X

— Divya Deshmukh (@DivyaDeshmukh05) June 19, 2025

The 19-year-old’s performance was a major highlight of the tournament and a proud moment for Indian chess. Speaking after her stunning win, Divya expressed her happiness and gratitude for the support she has received both from her teammates and from the country’s leadership.

Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old Indian chess prodigy, made history by defeating World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the World Team Blitz Championships’ 2nd leg of the semifinal in London. This win was her first-ever victory over Hou Yifan. pic.twitter.com/0pGNtUAfL7

— Achyutha (@achyutha) June 19, 2025

“I am very happy,” she said. “PM Modi has written very nice things which are very encouraging and motivating. It makes me feel very good and gives me a lot of inspiration to win medals for India in the future,” she added.

Divya also acknowledged the role of her teammates in keeping her spirits high during the intense tournament. “My teammates were very encouraging and quite motivating, and it really helped me,” she noted.

#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: Indian chess player Divya Deshmukh defeated Chinese chess Grandmaster and World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the World Blitz Team Chess Championship

She says, “I am very happy…PM Modi has written very nice things which are very encouraging and motivating,… pic.twitter.com/5NLxXuj5ga

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2025

Notably, India has been doing really well at the international level in chess as of late. D Gukesh, the reigning World Champion and recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award secured a third-place position in the Norway Chess tournament, which concluded early in June. One of his standout moments during the competition was a win over world number one Magnus Carlsen, which was his first classical game win over him. Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi also finished fifth.

Also, Aravindh Chithambaram, clinched first place in the Stepan Avagyan Memorial Chess Tournament, and R Praggnanandhaa, secured second place in the same tournament. The tournament was held from May 28 to June 6. (ANI)