New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Vaishali Rameshbabu on winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss, and said her passion and dedication are exemplary.
The Indian Grandmaster won the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss for the second time in a row and made it to the women’s Candidates tournament after a hard-fought draw against former world champion Zhongyi Tan of China in the 11th and final round in Samarkand on Monday.
In a post on X, Modi said, “Outstanding accomplishment. Congrats to Vaishali Rameshbabu. Her passion and dedication are exemplary. Best wishes for her future endeavours.”
Vaishali Rameshbabu won the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2025 to claim the title for the second consecutive time and secured her spot in the Women’s Candidates 2026. With Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh already qualifying, Vaishali becomes the third Indian in the Candidates.
No player in either the Open or Women’s event had ever won the FIDE Grand Swiss twice until now. On Monday, Vaishali achieved the feat (2023 and 2025).
“Congratulations to @chessvaishali for a spirited performance. We are proud to have mentored and trained her to get a shot at the world title. Her determination and hardwork are truly commendable… To win the @FIDE_chess Grand Swiss twice is an achievement that few can attain,” wrote Indian chess legend Vishy Anand moments after Vaishali’s win.
