The chess world is being shaken up by another prodigy from India, Divya Deshmukh. If you think you’ve heard her name everywhere lately, you’re right. This 19-year-old from Nagpur has made history and the headlines, and for all the right reasons. So, why is everyone talking about her, how she began, what she’s already achieved, and where she’s heading next? Let’s find out.
Why Divya Deshmukh Is In The Headlines
There’s no bigger story in Indian chess right now than Divya Deshmukh. She made headlines by becoming the first Indian to reach the finals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025. Along the way, she stunned former world champion Tan Zhongyi in an epic semi-final. The win didn’t just put her into the final; it also earned her the first GM norm and a ticket to the prestigious Candidates Tournament 2026. That’s a moment of national pride and a milestone no Indian woman had achieved before.
Humble Beginnings to Top Boards
Believe it or not, Divya Deshmukh didn’t plan on becoming a chess star. As a young kid, she started off with badminton, but the racquet was too big, so her parents sent her to chess class instead. At first, she didn’t even like chess and would try to skip class, but after her first tournament win? She was hooked. From there, the medals started piling up.
Divya quickly became known as a record-breaker. She became youngest in the world to win the World Youth Chess Champion title in 2014. She won her first national gold at age seven. She’s also the multiple-time national champion across age groups. She’s the kind of player who’s been representing India on the world stage since she was barely a teenager, with more than 20 international medals to her name.
Divya Deshmukh’s Major Achievements
Let’s talk records. Here’s why Divya Deshmukh is the real star:
- Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and International Master (IM) titles.
- 2022 Women’s Indian Chess Champion.
- Bronze at the 2022 Chess Olympiad and gold at the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad.
- 2023 Asian Women’s Chess Champion.
- 2024 FIDE World U20 Girls Chess Champion, scoring 10/11 points.
- 2025: Created history at the Women’s World Cup by reaching the final and qualifying for the Candidates, plus winning her first GM norm.
What’s Next for Divya Deshmukh?
Now, the whole chess world has its eyes on her. She’s one win away from the Women’s World Cup title and is set to battle the best at the Candidates Tournament 2026; the winner there gets to play for the World Championship.
But for Divya Deshmukh? She’s just getting started, planning to chase the Grandmaster title and bring even more glory to India. And yes, she says she wants “some sleep and some food” first. Legends, after all, need their rest before making more history.
Also Read: After World Number 1, Divya Deshmukh Defeats Another Top-Rated Player
