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Vaishali Makes History as First Indian to Win Women's Candidates Chess

Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the FIDE Women's Candidates tournament. Her victory, sealed with a final-round win over Kateryna Lagno, earned her a score of 8.5/14 points. The triumph secures her a place in a match for the Women's World Championship against reigning champion Ju Wenjun. The Indian High Commission in Cyprus, where the event was held, celebrated her "historic victory" and "remarkable display of grit."

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

  • First Indian to win Women's Candidates
  • Defeated Kateryna Lagno in final round
  • Earns match vs. Ju Wenjun for World Championship
  • Scored 8.5/14 points
  • Lauded by Indian High Commission in Cyprus
2 min read

Indian High Commission in Cyprus lauds Vaishali's Candidates triumph

Indian GM Vaishali Rameshbabu wins the 2026 FIDE Women's Candidates, becoming the first Indian to do so. She will challenge Ju Wenjun for the World Championship.

"It's amazing, a dream come true for me. - Vaishali Rameshbabu"

New Delhi, April 16

High Commission of India in Cyprus has lauded Indian GM Vaishali Rameshbabu for conquering FIDE Women's Candidates.

R Vaishali became the first Indian to win the FIDE Women's Candidates title, after she beat Russia's Kateryna Lagno in the final round on Wednesday.

"A proud moment for #India in Cyprus. Heartiest congratulations to GM R. Vaishali @chessvaishali on her historic victory at the @Fide_Chess Women's Candidates 2026," High Commission of India in Cyprus shared on X.

"High Commissioner Mr. Manish @ManishGIfs and the entire team of @IndiainCyprus extend their warmest congratulations on this outstanding achievement. Finishing first with 8.5/14, Vaishali has once again showcased India's growing strength in world #chess and secured her place in the upcoming Women's World #Championship match.

"Her #performance was a remarkable display of grit, composure and excellence. This #success is a matter of great #pride for India and a special moment for Cyprus as host of this #prestigious #global event. We wish her every success in the title match ahead,* it added.

Vaishali will challenge Ju Wenjun for the Women's World Championship after winning the 2026 FIDE Women's Candidates outright with a score of 8.5/14.

In an exciting final round, Vaishali defeated Kateryna Lagno in a magnificent display of technique, while Bibisara Assaubayeva managed only a draw in her game against Divya Deshmukh.

Speaking at the postgame press conference, Vaishali expressed her delight: "It's amazing, a dream come true for me. When I lost to Zhu Jiner, everything suddenly opened up, and I'm happy I was able to stay focused in the last two rounds and give my best."

In 2024, Gukesh D emerged as the Winner of the Candidates Tournament 2024 to become the youngest World Chess Championship challenger ever. He was rhe first ever Indian to win the Candidates.

He then became the 18th world chess champion when he defeated China's Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championship match in Singapore.

Gukesh will be challenged by newly-crowned FIDE Candidates 2026 winner Javokhir Sindarov.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
So proud! It's great to see our High Commission actively celebrating this. These victories put India firmly on the global chess map. Vaishali's journey is an inspiration for so many young girls across the country.
R
Rohit P
Fantastic news to wake up to! 8.5/14 is a dominant score. The fact that she won outright and didn't have to rely on tiebreaks shows her quality. The final against Ju Wenjun will be a classic. Go Vaishali!
S
Sarah B
As a chess enthusiast, this is thrilling. The Indian contingent is producing phenomenal talent. A respectful note though: the article jumps between 2024 and 2026 events quite abruptly, making the timeline a bit confusing for casual readers.
K
Karthik V
Another historic first for an Indian! 🏆 The Rameshbabu siblings (Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa) are a powerhouse. The government and federations should ensure they get all the support needed for the title match. The future is bright!
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Nisha Z
Heartiest congratulations, Vaishali! Making the nation proud. It's also nice that Cyprus hosted such a prestigious event. Hope this inspires a chess boom in schools here too.

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