Divya Deshmukh: The Indian Chess Champion Challenging the World

Divya Deshmukh, a 19-year-old chess player, is emerging as a prominent figure in the world of chess. She is challenging top players and inspiring the next generation of Indian chess players. Deshmukh has already won the World Cup, Olympic gold medals, and defeated some of the best players in the world. In 2025, she made history by winning the Women’s Chess World Cup, which also earned her the Grandmaster title and a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. In 2024, she played a significant role in India’s gold medal victory at the 45th Chess Olympiad. She also won the World U20 Chess Championship in 2024. During the 2025 World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championships, she defeated Hou Yifan, the world’s top-ranked woman, helping her team win a bronze medal. At the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, she drew against World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju after a 103-move game. At just 19, she holds numerous achievements, including the World Cup, Grandmaster title, and Olympiad gold. Deshmukh is known for her fearless style and dedication. She is a symbol of India’s progress in women’s chess and has a promising career ahead.