From Chennai to Cyprus: Vaishali Rameshbabu's Triumph and What It Means for Girls Who Play Chess

By Lalit Akhade, Founder & Head Coach, ChessMates Academy · Published 2026-04-26 · 8 min read

One of the Most Dramatic Comebacks in Women's Candidates History

On April 15, 2026, R. Vaishali Rameshbabu won her final-round game at the Women's Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, clinched the title, and earned the right to challenge reigning Women's World Chess Champion Ju Wenjun.

When she walked out of the playing hall, she was met by her mother, her brother Praggnanandhaa, and her childhood coach RB Ramesh, who had travelled all the way from Chennai to Cyprus for this moment.

It was a family story. It was an Indian story. And it is a powerful story for every parent who has a daughter and has ever wondered: *is chess for girls?*

The answer, in 2026, is an emphatic yes.

A Tournament Full of Swings and Grit

Vaishali began with four draws, then suffered a loss. She bounced back, built a one-point lead — and then lost again. Many players would have crumbled. She didn't. She stayed composed and delivered when it mattered most — a win in the final round. That's not just chess. That's character.

Why Chess Is Especially Valuable for Girls

It builds confidence in competitive environments. Chess provides a structured, objective environment where results are based purely on thinking — not appearance or social dynamics. A girl who learns to compete at chess learns that her mind is her greatest asset.

It develops comfort with strategic risk-taking. Chess retrains the instinct to shy away from calculated risks — one of the most valuable things a girl can develop for academic and professional life.

It provides powerful female role models. Vaishali. Divya Deshmukh. Koneru Humpy. Harika Dronavalli. The Indian women's chess scene is producing world-class talent at a remarkable pace.

The Sibling Story Every Parent Should Notice

Vaishali's brother is Praggnanandhaa — one of the best chess players in the world. They grew up in the same household, learning chess together. This speaks to something many parents underestimate: chess is a game the whole family can engage with.

Your daughter doesn't need to become a World Champion. But if she starts learning chess now, she is building the foundations of thinking, confidence, and resilience that will serve her for the rest of her life. Book a free trial at ChessMates.