New Delhi, April 16 -- India's Rameshbabu Vaishali scripted history by winning the FIDE Women's Candidates 2026 title in Cyprus, earning the right to challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun and drawing widespread praise, including from Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who hailed her achievement as a symbol of the country's rising "Nari Shakti".

Vaishali sealed the title with a composed final-round victory over Kateryna Lagno in Cyprus, finishing half a point clear at the top. Playing with white, the 24-year-old delivered a clinical performance under pressure, capping off a breakthrough campaign that saw her outperform higher-rated opponents throughout the tournament.

Her triumph drew widespread praise, including fr...