Historic Victory: Indian GM Vaishali Rameshbabu Wins FIDE Women’s Candidates
Synopsis
The High Commission of India in Cyprus celebrates GM Vaishali Rameshbabu's historic win in the FIDE Women’s Candidates, marking her as the first Indian champion. This victory not only showcases her skill but also highlights India's growing prominence in chess.
Key Takeaways
Vaishali Rameshbabu wins the FIDE Women’s Candidates title.
She is the first Indian to achieve this feat.
Vaishali finished with a score of 8.5/14 .
Her victory highlights India's strength in global chess.
She will challenge Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) The High Commission of India in Cyprus has celebrated the remarkable achievement of Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu for her victory in the FIDE Women’s Candidates. R Vaishali has made history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the FIDE Women’s Candidates title, defeating Russia’s Kateryna Lagno in the decisive final round on Wednesday.
"A moment of great pride for #India in Cyprus. Heartfelt congratulations to GM R. Vaishali @chessvaishali on her groundbreaking achievement at the @Fide_Chess Women’s Candidates 2026," the High Commission of India in Cyprus expressed on X.
"High Commissioner Mr. Manish @ManishGIfs and the entire team at @IndiainCyprus extend their warmest congratulations on this remarkable success. Finishing at the top with a score of 8.5/14, Vaishali has once again demonstrated India’s rising prominence in global #chess and secured her position in the forthcoming Women’s World #Championship match.
"Her #performance was a stunning exhibition of resilience, focus, and excellence. This #success is a source of immense #pride for India and a significant moment for Cyprus as the host of this #esteemed #global event. We wish her all the best in the title match ahead," it added.
Vaishali is set to face Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship after her outright win in the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates with a score of 8.5/14.
In an exhilarating final round, Vaishali triumphed over Kateryna Lagno with an impressive display of skill, while Bibisara Assaubayeva could only manage a draw against Divya Deshmukh.
During the post-match press conference, Vaishali shared her excitement: “It’s incredible, a dream come true for me. After losing to Zhu Jiner, everything suddenly clicked, and I’m thrilled I was able to maintain my focus in the last two rounds and perform my best.”
In 2024, Gukesh D emerged victorious in the Candidates Tournament 2024 to become the youngest challenger for the World Chess Championship, being the first Indian to achieve this feat.
He subsequently became the 18th World Chess Champion by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championship match held in Singapore.
Gukesh will face the newly crowned FIDE Candidates 2026 champion, Javokhir Sindarov, in his upcoming challenge.
Point of View
I can confidently state that Vaishali Rameshbabu's triumph at the FIDE Women’s Candidates is not only a testament to her individual talent but also a reflection of India's burgeoning status in the global chess arena. This victory inspires many and underscores the importance of supporting emerging talents in various sports.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vaishali Rameshbabu?
Vaishali Rameshbabu is an Indian Grandmaster known for her exceptional skills in chess, recently winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates title.
What is the FIDE Women’s Candidates?
The FIDE Women’s Candidates is a prestigious chess tournament that determines who will challenge the reigning Women’s World Chess Champion.
What does Vaishali's victory mean for Indian chess?
Vaishali's victory signifies India's growing prominence in the chess world and serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players in the country.
Who will Vaishali face next?
Vaishali Rameshbabu will challenge Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship title.
What was Vaishali's score in the tournament?
Vaishali finished the tournament with an impressive score of 8.5 out of 14.
