The win marks the most significant milestone of Deshmukh’s career to date, not only crowning her as the new World Champion but also earning her the coveted Grandmaster (GM) title
At just 19, Divya becomes only the fourth Indian woman to achieve the Grandmaster title, joining a select and elite group in the nation’s chess legacy. She is also the 88th woman in the world to receive this prestigious distinction
Divya’s meteoric rise in the chess world has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her journey began with a major milestone in 2021 when she became India’s 21st Woman Grandmaster. She followed it up with the International Master (IM) title in 2023
The year 2024 proved to be a turning point in her career. It was a breakthrough season marked by consistency, brilliance, and a string of notable triumphs. She clinched the Asian Women’s Championship, showcasing her dominance in the continental arena. In the Sharjah Challengers, she emerged victorious once again, defeating several strong international opponents. Her momentum continued at the World Junior Girls Championship held in Gujarat, where she remained undefeated and scored an impressive 10/11 to claim the title emphatically
Divya has also been a key contributor to India’s success in team events. She played a pivotal role in India’s gold medal win at the Online Chess Olympiad in 2020 and continued her stellar performances at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where the Indian women’s team struck gold once again
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