Divya Deshmukh interview: After FIDE Women’s World Cup title, teenager learns to deal with overnight stardom
In the quiet corners of Nagpur, where Divya Deshmukh first learned to move pawns and capture rooks, a hero’s welcome awaited her after she clinched the FIDE Women’s World Cup. As garlands were thrown and fans cheered her name, the 18-year-old Grandmaster smiled—still adjusting to the weight of sudden stardom.
Divya’s journey isn’t just about a girl winning a chess tournament. It’s a powerful story of discipline, resilience, and how success often catches you off guard. One day you’re analyzing endgames; the next, you’re on top of a car in a victory parade.
A Championship Dream Realized
The FIDE Women’s World Cup is one of the most prestigious titles in the sport, and in 2025, it was an all-Indian final: Divya Deshmukh versus veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy. It was both a clash of generations and a celebration of Indian women’s chess.
Divya emerged victorious, not just by outplaying her opponents but by outlasting them. “I had to be mentally strong,” she said in her post-win interview. “There were days I felt tired and overwhelmed, but I reminded myself why I started playing chess in the first place.”
Her preparation wasn’t just about openings and tactical drills. It included breathing exercises, journaling, and learning how to stay composed in pressure-cooker situations. “The final wasn’t just a game. It was an emotional test,” she admitted.
Rewriting the Narrative for Indian Girls
When Divya stood on the podium, trophy in hand, it wasn’t just a personal win—it was a national moment. In a sport often dominated by men globally, two Indian women in the final was a milestone. “It shows how far we’ve come,” Divya said, “and how far we can go if we support our girls in sports.”
Indeed, India has seen a chess renaissance in the last decade, with young talents like R Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh D, and now Divya Deshmukh carrying the legacy forward. But Divya’s win, in particular, holds symbolic weight—it shows that young women from cities outside the metros can dream big and make it real.
The Late Coach Who Sparked It All
During the victory rally in Nagpur, Divya held up a framed photo of her late coach, Rahul Joshi, who had passed away years ago. He wasn’t just her first coach—he was her believer-in-chief.
“He made me promise to become a Grandmaster by 14 or 15,” she recalled. “When I finally did, I dedicated that title to him. Now this win is also for him.”
Joshi’s influence on Divya was more than technical. He taught her that discipline wasn’t negotiable and that showing up every day was more important than any single win. That early mindset is now helping her handle the tidal wave of attention that followed her recent triumph.
Stardom, Sleep, and a Messi Moment
After winning the World Cup, Divya had one more thing on her checklist: recreating Lionel Messi’s iconic photo lying beside the World Cup trophy. “I really wanted to do it,” she laughed. “But I was so tired, I fell asleep next to it by accident.”
It’s this balance of ambition and youthful honesty that makes Divya so relatable. Unlike many who let fame inflate their image, she’s kept it grounded. “I still get nervous,” she said. “It’s just now people are watching.”
Her Instagram blew up overnight, her phone hasn’t stopped buzzing, and the media requests keep piling. But amid the chaos, she’s clear about one thing—this fame is fleeting unless she keeps working. “One tournament doesn’t define a career,” she said. “It’s just a step.”
Handling Pressure Like a Pro
In a separate interview, Divya was asked about being compared to MS Dhoni in terms of her calmness under pressure. “I don’t think pressure matters once you’re on the board,” she responded. “You train to forget the crowd.”
This mindset has become her superpower. Even in the final, when many expected nerves to show, Divya maintained her composure. Friends later told her she looked “stone cold.” She smiled. “That’s the idea. Stay cool on the outside, even if you’re panicking a little inside.”
What’s Next for Divya?
Despite her rising status, Divya isn’t slowing down. She plans to train harder, explore more international tournaments, and contribute to developing women’s chess in India.
“There’s a lot of talent out there,” she said. “They just need belief, some guidance, and a little push.”
She also hopes to work on chess awareness among school kids, particularly girls. “I didn’t have many role models when I started,” she admitted. “If I can be that for someone else, that’s the real win.”
Final Thoughts
Divya Deshmukh’s FIDE Women’s World Cup victory is more than a line in her bio—it’s a turning point in Indian chess. As she continues to chase new goals, her story is inspiring a generation of dreamers who now believe it’s possible to come from a small city and conquer the world, one move at a time.
And maybe next time, she’ll get that Messi photo—fully awake.
