A Historic Victory on the Global Stage
In a landmark moment for Indian chess, Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu etched her name in history by winning the prestigious FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026.
The 24-year-old became the first Indian woman to claim the title, securing her place as the challenger for the Women’s World Championship later this year.
Roots, Early Life and Rise
Hailing from Chennai, Vaishali grew up in a family passionate about chess. She studied in the city while balancing academics with competitive play, showing early promise by winning world youth titles in her teens.
Coming from a strong chess background, she is also the elder sister of Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, making them one of the most remarkable sibling duos in global chess.
Strategic Brilliance and Career Milestones
Known for her calm positional play and sharp tactical awareness, Vaishali’s game blends patience with precision. Her ability to control the middlegame and convert advantages under pressure stood out throughout the tournament.
Among her biggest achievements are winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss Tournament twice and earning her Grandmaster title after crossing the elite 2500 rating mark.
Her latest Candidates victory marks the pinnacle of her career so far, transforming her from a rising star into a global title contender.
With this win, Vaishali has not just claimed a crown, she has opened a new chapter for Indian women in chess, inspiring a generation to dream beyond the board.
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By Vaishnavi
