Savitha Shri Baskar wins Women's Asian Chess Championship

Nineteen-year-old Indian International Master Savitha Shri Baskar clinched the 2026 Women's Asian Individual Chess Championship in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, becoming the latest Indian to capture the continental crown and securing qualification for the 2027 FIDE Women's World Cup.

The Chennai-based player finished atop the standings with 7.5 points from nine rounds, edging Uzbekistan's Afruza Khamdamova on tiebreaks after both players ended the tournament with identical scores. China's Song Yuxin claimed the bronze medal with 6.5 points.

Entering the tournament as the sixth seed, Savitha produced a series of strong performances against a competitive field featuring more than 100 players from 17 countries. A crucial victory over co-leader Khamdamova proved decisive in her title run, while a final-round win with the black pieces against Anna Shukhman helped secure the championship.

Another milestone for India's rising chess star

The continental title is the biggest achievement of Savitha's career so far and continues her steady rise through the international chess ranks. The youngster earned the Woman Grandmaster title in 2023 and became an International Master in 2025.

Savitha first gained global attention in 2022 when she won bronze at the Women's World Rapid Championship. She has also represented India at several major team events, including the Asian Games, where she was part of the silver medal-winning women's team.

Her success also highlights India's growing strength in women's chess. The victory gives India its 13th Women's Asian Championship title and continues a dominant period for the country, which has now won three of the last four editions of the tournament.

The triumph is particularly significant given Savitha's journey. Inspired by her elder brother to take up chess as a child, she rose through the age-group ranks with the support of her family, including her father, who left his job to help pursue her chess ambitions.

With qualification for the 2027 FIDE Women's World Cup secured, Savitha has taken another major step towards establishing herself among the leading players of her generation.