In a historic moment for Indian chess, Divya Deshmukh etched her name in the record books by becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster and only the fourth Indian woman to earn this prestigious title. With this, she joins the elite league of Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and Vaishali Rameshbabu, who have previously achieved this rare feat in women’s chess.
But what truly makes Divya’s journey remarkable is not just the title—it’s the fierce path she took to get there.
At the FIDE Women’s World Cup, Divya played against some of the best players in the world. In the final match, she faced Humpy.Her journey to the top saw her defeating Chinese World No. 6 Ju Wenjun, Indian veteran Harika Dronavalli, and former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi, showcasing nerves of steel and a mature understanding of the game far beyond her years.
Starting out as an International Master, Divya’s performance in the World Cup was so dominant that she bypassed the usual route of earning three GM norms and crossing the 2500 rating mark. Thanks to a special FIDE regulation, her World Cup triumph directly granted her the Grandmaster title—proof of her sheer excellence on the global stage.
A Journey of Grit and Glory:
Divya’s recent victory is just the latest in a string of accomplishments. She won the title of World Junior Champion in the girls’ group last year, which was a big accomplishment. She also played a pivotal role in India’s gold-medal-winning team at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she not only helped her team to the top but also bagged an individual gold medal for her stellar performance. Each tournament has sharpened her skills, strengthened her mental endurance, and added depth to her already strategic style of play. And now, with the Grandmaster title in hand, Divya has become a beacon of inspiration for young chess aspirants across India and beyond.The Road Ahead: A Challenger in the Making
Her World Cup win has opened even more doors. Divya has now secured her place in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, where the top eight female players in the world will battle it out for the right to challenge the reigning World Champion. With her current momentum and hunger for improvement, many believe it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a serious contender for the ultimate crown in women’s chess.A Landmark Victory for India:
What makes this victory even more special is the final itself—an all-Indian face-off between Divya and Koneru Humpy. It was a match that symbolized the changing dynamics in international chess. Countries like China and Russia ruled women’s chess for many years. But now, with India’s young talents rising fast, the balance of power is visibly shifting.Just as Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are leading the charge in the open category, Divya Deshmukh is blazing a trail in women’s chess, making it clear that India is no longer just participating in global chess—it is leading it.
A New Chapter Begins:
Divya’s triumph is not just about titles or medals. It’s about what she represents—a new generation of fearless, confident, and determined Indian players who are redefining the future of the game. From being a young girl whose mother steered her toward chess to keep her away from physical sports, to becoming a global icon at just 19, Divya’s story is a powerful reminder of where passion, focus, and hard work can take you.With many more tournaments to come, and with the entire chess world watching, one thing is certain—Divya Deshmukh’s journey has only just begun.
