Vaishali Rameshbabu creates history, wins FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026 title

April 16, 2026

New Delhi: The High Commission of India in Cyprus has congratulated Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu on winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates title.

Vaishali Rajnikanth became the first Indian to win the title, defeating Russia’s Kateryna Lagno in the final round.

“A proud moment for India in Cyprus. Heartiest congratulations to GM R. Vaishali on her historic win,” the Indian High Commission wrote on X.

High Commissioner Manish and the entire team of @IndiainCyprus congratulate her on this achievement and call it a symbol of India’s growing chess strength.

Brilliant win in the final round

Vaishali topped the final round with 8.5/14 points to win the title.

In the final round, she defeated Katarina Lagno with excellent technique, while Bibisara Asoubayeva’s match against Divya Deshmukh ended in a draw.

Vaishali’s reaction after the win

In the post-match press conference, Vaishali said, “This is like a dream come true for me. When I lost to Zhu Jiner, everything changed, but in the last two rounds, I maintained my focus and gave my best.”

India’s Growing Chess Power

In 2024, Gukesh D won the Candidates Tournament, setting a record for becoming the youngest World Championship challenger.

He then defeated Ding Liren of China to become the 18th World Chess Champion.

Gukesh will now face the new Candidates winner, Zavokhir Sindarov.