Divya Deshmukh is a 19-year-old chess prodigy from Nagpur, Maharashtra. Known for her composure under pressure, she is now India’s fourth female Grandmaster. Her rise in Indian chess has been remarkable, marked by aggressive play, consistent performances, and a fearless attitude.
Victory in Batumi
On 28 July 2025, Divya made history in Batumi, Georgia, by defeating chess legend Koneru Humpy in the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup. After two classical draws, Divya won in the rapid tiebreakers, showing brilliant endgame strategy. Her win earned her the Grandmaster title and a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Performing Under Pressure
Divya is known for thriving in high-stakes situations. Her coach, International Master Srinath Narayanan, compared her nerves to that of former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni. According to Srinath, Divya always shows up when it matters most, a trait visible since 2018.
A Hug That Spoke Volumes
After her final win, Divya tearfully hugged her mother, a moment that captured the emotional depth of her victory. She later said the win meant a lot but also emphasized that it’s just the beginning of her journey.
Her Style of Play
Divya’s game has evolved to become more versatile across Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats. Though naturally aggressive, she has developed strong endgame skills and adaptability. Her exposure to top-level global tournaments has played a major role in sharpening her game.
Key Achievements So Far
- Gold medal at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest (Board 3, 9.5/11 score)
- World U-20 Girls’ Champion (September 2024)
- Defeated World No. 1 Hou Yifan at the 2025 Rapid & Blitz Team Championship in London
Accidental Start in Chess
Divya’s chess journey began by chance. At age four, she was supposed to attend a badminton class with her sister, but the net was too high. Her parents noticed a nearby chess class and enrolled her instead. Raised by doctor parents, she quickly showed natural talent for the game.
Early Recognition
Coach Srinath first noticed her talent during the U-16 World Olympiad in 2018. Under pressure, she defeated a top Iranian player, helping India win silver. Even back then, she was already ahead of her peers in skill and mental strength.
Overcoming Setbacks
Like many young athletes, Divya paused competitive chess during the COVID-19 pandemic to focus on academics. But she came back strong. Her stunning win over Hou Yifan in 2025 reaffirmed her position as one of the top emerging stars in world chess.
A Non-Traditional Grandmaster
Divya earned her Grandmaster title not by the usual route of earning three norms and reaching a 2500 rating, but through her FIDE Women’s World Cup win. Under FIDE rules, certain elite tournament wins can directly grant the GM title.
Humble Despite Victory
Even after her historic win, Divya acknowledged areas of improvement. She admitted to struggling slightly in the endgame of her final match, despite ultimately sealing the victory.
Part of India’s Chess Revolution
Divya is part of a new generation of Indian chess players, joining the ranks of young stars like World Champion D Gukesh. Her success highlights the growing strength of Indian women in chess, a domain long dominated by male players.
Future Prospects
Divya will compete in the 2026 Candidates Tournament alongside Koneru Humpy and former World Champion Tan Zhongyi. Coach Srinath believes she already had Grandmaster-level potential and sees her as a strong contender for the Women’s World Championship.
A Calm and Fearless Champion
With her signature calmness, a fearless mindset, and a journey that began by accident, Divya Deshmukh is a key figure in India’s chess renaissance. At just 19, she’s already reshaping the landscape of Indian and international chess—with many more winning moves likely ahead.
