Indian chess player R Vaishali has received widespread acclaim from the global chess community after clinching the Women’s title at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, completing a remarkable journey from the lowest-rated participant to champion.
Vaishali secured the title with 8.5 points after a crucial final-round victory over Kateryna Lagno, showcasing composure and resilience under pressure. The win not only marks a career-defining achievement but also earns her a place in the upcoming World Championship match against reigning champion Ju Wenjun.
Praise from chess legends
Among the prominent voices lauding Vaishali’s achievement was former world number one Judit Polgar, who highlighted the Indian player’s grit and determination.
Polgar described Vaishali’s victory as a testament to “persistence, fighting spirit, grit, and resilience,” noting that winning the tournament as the lowest-rated player underlined the scale of her accomplishment.
Another former champion, Susan Polgar, also praised Vaishali, calling it a “well-deserved victory.” She pointed out that Vaishali is only the second Indian woman after Koneru Humpy in 2011 to earn a shot at the world title.
Breakthrough moment in her career
Vaishali’s triumph is being seen as a defining moment in her career, as she steps out of the shadow of her younger brother R Praggnanandhaa and establishes herself as a leading force in women’s chess.
Her campaign was marked by consistency and calmness against a strong field, reflecting the growing depth of Indian talent in the global chess arena.
Other key results from Candidates
The tournament also produced notable outcomes in the Open section, where Javokhir Sindarov clinched victory after drawing with Wei Yi, setting up a World Championship clash with reigning champion D Gukesh.
Elsewhere, Praggnanandhaa signed off with a draw against Hikaru Nakamura, while Anish Giri finished second after defeating Matthias Bluebaum. Fabiano Caruana also ended his campaign on a winning note against Andrey Esipenko.
Conclusion
R Vaishali’s inspiring underdog story has captured global attention, marking a significant milestone for Indian chess. As she prepares to challenge for the world title, her victory stands as a symbol of perseverance and the rising prominence of India in international chess.
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