Padmini Rout successfully won the 49th edition to become the fifth National Women’s Champion

In a comfortable victory, IM Padmini Rout (PSPB) defeated defending champion IM Divya Deshmukh (MAH) to win the 49th National Women’s 2023 title. Despite losing to WIM Mounika Akshaya Bommini (AP), who ultimately finished in ninth place, Padmini recovered by scoring 6/7 in the following seven games. Aside from her personal performance on 9/11, her victory over WGM Mary Ann Gomes (PSPB) was made possible by WIM Isha Sharma’s (KAR) tenacity. The majority of the endgame was being won by Mary. However, she squandered every chance she had and could only manage a draw. 

As a result, they had to settle for second place with a score of 8.5/11 after losing out on first. To get third place (8.5/11), WIM Arpita Mukherjee (WB) upset IM Bhakti Kulkarni (Goa), the former National Women’s Champion.

“I am feeling very happy, especially with how the tournament went and how I conducted myself.” — IM Padmini Rout, winner of the 2023 49th National Women’s Chess Championship. She also considers this victory to be her favourite of her five National Women championships. The 41st Olympiad individual gold champion was asked if she preferred the Swiss League or Round-Robin style. She replied, “I am not sure which one I prefer, both are tough. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Padmini Rout in undoubtedly an inspiration for the youth.