NewKerala.com

Vaishali's Chess Triumph Hailed as 'Nari Shakti' Milestone by Pawan Kalyan

Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Vaishali has won the FIDE Women's Candidates 2026 tournament in Cyprus, securing the right to challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun. Her victory drew praise from Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who hailed it as a historic moment reflecting India's rising "Nari Shakti" or women's power. Kalyan linked her success to other prominent Indian women achievers across various fields. Vaishali's triumph, marked by a full-point improvement from her 2024 performance, positions her on the brink of competing for the sport's highest crown.

Key Points: Vaishali Wins Women's Candidates, Earns World Title Shot

  • Vaishali wins FIDE Women's Candidates 2026
  • Earns right to challenge world champion Ju Wenjun
  • Pawan Kalyan praises as 'Nari Shakti' milestone
  • Victory marks significant improvement from 2024
  • Draws comparisons to Gukesh's 2024 triumph
2 min read

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan hails Vaishali's Candidates triumph as 'Nari Shakti' milestone

Indian chess star Vaishali wins FIDE Women's Candidates 2026, earning a World Championship match. Pawan Kalyan hails it as a symbol of India's 'Nari Shakti'.

"Bharat today celebrates the rising power of Nari Shakti across every sphere of life - Pawan Kalyan"

New Delhi, April 16

India's Rameshbabu Vaishali scripted history by winning the FIDE Women's Candidates 2026 title in Cyprus, earning the right to challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun and drawing widespread praise, including from Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who hailed her achievement as a symbol of the country's rising "Nari Shakti".

Vaishali sealed the title with a composed final-round victory over Kateryna Lagno in Cyprus, finishing half a point clear at the top. Playing with white, the 24-year-old delivered a clinical performance under pressure, capping off a breakthrough campaign that saw her outperform higher-rated opponents throughout the tournament.

Her triumph drew widespread praise, including from Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who described the achievement as a reflection of India's growing "Nari Shakti".

"Bharat today celebrates the rising power of Nari Shakti across every sphere of life," Kalyan wrote on X, adding that Vaishali had "created history" by becoming the first Indian woman to earn the right to challenge for the Women's World Chess Championship.

In a lengthy message, Kalyan linked Vaishali's success to a broader wave of women's achievements across fields, citing figures such as President Droupadi Murmu, scientist Ritu Karidhal, Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, weightlifting star Mirabai Chanu and boxer Nikhat Zareen as symbols of India's evolving landscape of women's empowerment.

He also highlighted the role of early women contributors to India's Constitution, including Dakshayani Velayudhan, Hansa Mehta, Durgabai Deshmukh, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur.

Vaishali's victory marks a significant leap from her previous Candidates appearance in 2024, where she finished joint second with 7.5 points. This time, she improved her tally by a full point to finish as the outright winner, underlining her consistency and growth at the elite level.

Her run has drawn comparisons with D Gukesh's remarkable Candidates triumph in 2024, as both players overcame lower pre-tournament ratings to emerge champions.

The Women's Candidates tournament, first held in 1952, remains the gateway to the World Championship match. With her victory, Vaishali now stands on the brink of history, set to become the latest Indian to challenge for the sport's highest crown.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
First Gukesh, now Vaishali! India is becoming a chess superpower. Her journey from joint second to outright winner shows incredible grit. All the best for the World Championship match!
A
Aditya G
While it's great that politicians are praising her, I wish they'd also focus on providing more consistent funding and infrastructure for sports at the grassroots level. Many talented players never get this chance.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows chess closely, her performance was masterclass. Beating higher-rated opponents consistently is no small feat. The final game was so calm under pressure. Wishing her all the best against Ju Wenjun!
M
Meera T
It's heartening to see our leaders connect her win to the legacy of women like Hansa Mehta and Amrit Kaur. Our history is full of such powerful women, and Vaishali is adding a glorious new chapter. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
This is the kind of news we need more of. Young Indians making India proud on the world stage through sheer talent and hard work. Bahut badhiya!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50