In the dynamic world of Indian chess, 2025 has been a year of contrasting narratives, marked by the historic ascent of Divya Deshmukh and the undulating journey of D. Gukesh. While Deshmukh etched her name in the annals of the sport with a stunning World Cup victory, Gukesh, the reigning world champion, faced a year of turbulence and inconsistency.
Divya Deshmukh's victory at the FIDE Women's World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, stands as the defining moment for Indian chess in 2025. The 19-year-old not only secured the coveted title but also earned the prestigious Grandmaster title, becoming only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this feat. Her path to victory was paved with triumphs over formidable opponents, including Zhu Jiner, Harika Dronavalli, and Tan Zhongyi, culminating in a final showdown against Koneru Humpy, which she won in a tiebreak. This victory also granted her automatic qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Deshmukh's success shifted the landscape of women's chess in India, adding another name to the list of torchbearers, alongside Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika.
Deshmukh's ambition extends beyond the traditional path for female chess players. She has been actively participating in open tournaments, competing against male players to sharpen her skills. This high-risk, high-reward approach demonstrates her determination to become the best. Her participation in events like the Tata Steel Challengers, Prague Challengers, FIDE Grand Swiss, and FIDE World Cup showcases her commitment to pushing her boundaries.
In contrast, D. Gukesh, who became the youngest-ever world champion in 2024, experienced a year of inconsistency. While he achieved a notable classical win against Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, turning the game around from a losing position, he has not won a tournament since claiming the world title. Despite this, Gukesh finished third in Norway Chess 2025. He also tied for first place at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, but lost in the tiebreaker round. Fabiano Caruana noted that Gukesh, while still playing at a high level, was not the "clear No. 1 in the world". Gukesh received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in January, becoming the youngest recipient of the award.
Despite the challenges, Gukesh remains a formidable force in the chess world. He is currently ranked among the top players globally. His participation in the Global Chess League 2025, representing PBG Alaskan Knights, highlights his continued presence in the competitive arena.
The year 2025 has underscored the dynamic and evolving nature of Indian chess. Deshmukh's historic World Cup victory and Grandmaster title marked a significant milestone, while Gukesh's journey served as a reminder of the pressures and challenges that come with being a world champion. As both players look ahead to 2026, their paths promise to be captivating, with Deshmukh aiming for the Women's Candidates Tournament and Gukesh striving to regain his dominant form.
