Rising Stars of Indian Chess: Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and R Praggnanandhaa Set to Compete in Candidates Tournament Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Photos by Andrei Anosov and Michal Walusza/FIDE
NEW DELHI: As concerns grow over Koneru Humpy’s potential withdrawal from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus due to the ongoing Iran war, India’s next-generation chess talents—Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and R Praggnanandhaa—are gearing up to participate later this month. Despite geopolitical uncertainties, all three players are committed to their preparations for this prestigious event.
Title: India’s Chess Stars Gear Up for Candidates Tournament Amid Geopolitical Tensions
NEW DELHI: As the chess world holds its breath over the potential withdrawal of Koneru Humpy from the upcoming Candidates tournament in Cyprus due to the escalating Iran war, a new generation of Indian chess prodigies is ready to step into the spotlight. Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and R Praggnanandhaa are set to compete in this prestigious event later this month, quelling fears of a wider pullout from the tournament.
Sources close to the trio have confirmed that they are proceeding with their preparations despite the geopolitical uncertainties. “As of now, we have decided that Divya will go and play. We will monitor the situation and decide afterwards,” a source revealed to TimesofIndia.com. The camp is already busy planning travel and accommodation for the young talents.
A New Era in Indian Chess
Divya Deshmukh, 20, made headlines by clinching the FIDE Women’s World Cup in 2025, defeating none other than Humpy in a thrilling tiebreak. This victory not only earned her the title but also the Grandmaster title, making her the fourth female Grandmaster from India. Her success has set the stage for a new era in Indian chess, with Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa also making their marks on the international scene.
RB Ramesh, the long-time mentor to both Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa, emphasized that the decision of one player does not dictate the choices of others. “If Humpy’s position is not to play, it is fine. Everyone is free to make their own decision, and that should be respected,” he stated.
Humpy’s Uncertainty
Koneru Humpy, a stalwart in the chess community, expressed her concerns about traveling to Cyprus amidst ongoing tensions. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, she stated, “It just does not make any sense. It is dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there is so much tension and uncertainty.” Her apprehensions were echoed by a recent drone strike on a British air base in Cyprus, raising questions about the safety of hosting such a significant chess event in the region.
However, Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE, reassured that the situation has calmed since the initial reports of unrest. “Cyprus isn’t too far from the conflict zone, but at the same time, it’s not involved in any way and isn’t in a state of war,” he explained.
The Road Ahead
For Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali, the Candidates tournament represents a crucial opportunity. Praggnanandhaa qualified for the open section after winning the 2025 FIDE Circuit, while Vaishali secured her spot by triumphing in the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss last year. Despite facing setbacks, including a challenging run at the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, Vaishali’s determination has shone through, thanks to the encouragement from her coach and brother.
As reigning world champion D Gukesh expressed his desire for an all-Indian showdown at the World Championship later this year, the stakes have never been higher. With the Candidates tournament being the only gateway to the World Championship, the young stars are poised to seize their moment, undeterred by the surrounding uncertainties.
As the chess community watches closely, the resilience and talent of these young players may very well shape the future of Indian chess.