Last Updated:
PM Modi praised Divya Deshmukh for her win over World No. 1 Hou Yifan at the World Team Blitz Championships in London. Divya led her team to bronze.
Deshmukh, the chess prodigy in action. (FIDE)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised India’s chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh for her remarkable first-ever victory over World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the second leg of the blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships in London.
Representing Hexamind Chess Club, the 18-year-old Indian talent faced off against the Chinese powerhouse, who was playing for the WR Chess Team. In an electrifying 74-move encounter, Divya outsmarted Yifan, who made a crucial error by losing her bishop in a theoretically drawn rook vs. bishop endgame.
“Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh on defeating the World No. 1, Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London. Her success highlights her grit and determination. It also inspires many upcoming chess players. Best wishes for her future endeavours,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh on defeating the World No. 1, Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships, London. Her success highlights her grit and determination. It also inspires many upcoming chess players. Best wishes for her future… pic.twitter.com/mjdWO0llFT— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2025
In the blitz format, Divya secured six wins, one draw, and only one loss out of eight games, achieving an impressive performance rating of 2606. She subsequently excelled in the third-place playoff, leading her team to a 3.5–2.5 victory over Uzbekistan in both rounds to clinch the team bronze medal.
Following her triumph, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also commended Divya on her stunning victory over the World No. 1, “Heartiest congratulations to our chess star Divya Deshmukh on her stunning win over world No. 1 Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of the Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships in London. Wishing you the very best for the future games,” he posted on X.
Checkmate ♟️ !Heartiest congratulations to our chess star Divya Deshmukh on her stunning win over World No. 1 Hou Yifan in the 2nd leg of the Blitz semifinal at the World Team Blitz Championships in London. Wishing you the very best for the future games. pic.twitter.com/n8WkPEgSOU
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) June 18, 2025
In the rapid format, Divya achieved five wins, six draws, and just one loss, securing team silver and an individual bronze on Board 6, with a performance rating of 2420. The third edition of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships took place in London from June 10 to 16. The total prize fund was 500,000 euros; 310,000 euros for the rapid tournament and 190,000 euros for the blitz.
- First Published:
