Divya Deshmukh, an 18-year-old chess player from Nagpur, Maharashtra, has emerged as one of India’s most promising talents. With her impressive skills and mental sharpness, Divya has made her mark on the global chess scene, representing India and earning multiple accolades, including a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad.
Born into a family of doctors on 9 December 2005, Divya’s journey in chess started early. She learned to play the game from her father at the age of five. What began as a fun activity soon became her passion and career path. At just seven, Divya won her first national chess award, setting the stage for a string of accomplishments.
Early Achievements and Rising Fame
Over the years, Divya has consistently proven her talent. She bagged gold at the Asian School Chess Championship and played a key role in India’s historic victory at the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020. In 2021, Divya became India’s 21st Woman Grandmaster, further cementing her status as a top chess player.
Her victories don’t stop there. Divya has excelled in various international competitions, including the Asian Youth Chess Championship and the Commonwealth Games. She also won the women’s rapid category at the Tata Steel India Chess Championship.
Her current FIDE ratings showcase her skill and dedication: 2483 (standard), 2401 (rapid), and 2353 (blitz). Ranked 1055 globally, Divya is steadily climbing the ranks and is considered one of India’s most promising young players.
Facing Gender Bias and Stereotypes in Chess
Despite her growing success, Divya has faced challenges outside the chessboard. Earlier in 2023, she opened up about the gender bias she encountered at a major chess event. Divya shared on social media how discussions about her appearance often overshadowed her game.
This sparked a conversation about the sexism that women in chess face, with many female players, including veteran Susan Polgar, voicing their support. Polgar, too, shared her own experiences and highlighted how female players sometimes have to downplay their appearance to avoid unwanted attention.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Divya Deshmukh continues to rise in the world of chess, not just as a player but as a role model for young girls who aspire to break barriers in male-dominated fields. Her story of success, combined with her courage in addressing gender stereotypes, makes her an inspiration for future generations.
