Bhubaneswar : In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian chess, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has become the first Indian woman to advance to the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025. The tournament, held in Batumi, Georgia, featured 107 elite female players globally, including 17 of the top 20 ranked women. Humpy secured her historic semifinal berth by defeating China’s International Master Song Yuxin in the quarterfinals, winning the first game and drawing the second to avoid tie-breaks.
At 38 years old, Humpy showcased her famed composure and strategic acumen throughout the match, handling the pressure with a calm yet determined approach. She took an early lead with White in the first game and then held on solidly in the second game. Even as her opponent attempted to challenge her, she accepted a draw offer that confirmed her progression to the top four with a 1.5-0.5 overall score.
A Journey of Excellence
Koneru Humpy’s chess journey began early, inspired by her father who coached her from age five. She quickly made waves, winning national and world youth championships by her early teens. In 2002, at just 15, she became India’s youngest woman Grandmaster, setting a precedent for female chess players in the country. Over the years, Humpy has amassed numerous international titles, led India to gold at the Chess Olympiad in 2024, and secured prestigious tournament wins such as the Pune Grand Prix earlier in 2025. She has also been honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s civilian awards recognizing exceptional contributions.
Significance of the Achievement
Humpy’s semifinal qualification is not only historic but strategically important. The top three finishers in the World Cup earn entry to the Women’s Candidates Tournament — the qualifying stage for the World Championship match. With this, India is guaranteed at least one participant in the Candidates, augmenting its presence on the global chess map. Alongside Humpy, Indian stars Divya Deshmukh and Harika Dronavalli are also prominent contenders, exemplifying India’s rising dominance in international women’s chess.
Humpy now prepares to face the tournament’s top seed and Chinese Grandmaster Lei Tingjie in the semifinals, a highly anticipated match that will test her skill against one of the strongest players worldwide. Their first game ended in a hard-fought draw, setting the stage for a decisive second game which could secure a final berth.
Broader Context
This landmark achievement highlights the growing strength and depth of Indian women’s chess, reflecting years of consistent progress at the junior and senior levels. It also serves as an inspiring milestone, breaking barriers ahead of many future aspirants in India’s chess ecosystem.
This historic milestone by Koneru Humpy is a powerful reminder of India’s evolving standing in global chess and the emergence of female talent on the world stage. Her steady rise and landmark semifinal berth significantly advance India’s ambitions in women’s chess championships at the highest level.
Discussion about this post