Divya Deshmukh. (ANI file photo) STAVANGER: Indian grandmaster and World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh will make her Norwegian women’s chess debut later this year, becoming the youngest player to compete in the women’s tournament since its inception in 2024.Deshmukh will arrive in Oslo for the prestigious tournament, which is scheduled from May 25 to June 5, after a breakout season last year that firmly planted her among the world’s elite.
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The 19-year-old achieved major milestones on her way to winning the Women’s World Cup in Batumi last year by securing the Grand Masters title as well as a place in the Candidates tournament.In the elite tournament, she joined reigning world blitz champions Bibisara Assaubayev of Kazakhstan and Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk, the defending champion of Norway in chess among others.“I’m incredibly excited to compete in Norwegian Chess. It’s my first time in the country and I’m really looking forward to seeing what Norway is like. I can’t wait to experience this unique format and compete in such a prestigious tournament. To all my fans, thank you for your love and encouragement, see you all there,” said Deshmukh.Last year, GM Koneru Humpy and R. Vaishali competed in the women’s part of the tournament in Stavanger.Deshmukh became the fourth Indian woman in history to achieve the title of GM, underscoring the country’s growing strength on the global chess stage.She also achieved success representing India at the international level, winning individual and team gold medals and building a reputation as one of the most promising young players of her generation.“India continues to produce outstanding young chess talent and Divya is a great example of this dynamic,” said Benedicte Westre Skog, Norwegian Chess Chief Operating Officer.“We are delighted to welcome her to the Norwegian Chess Women and look forward to engaging the growing Indian chess audience at her debut in Oslo.” Norwegian Women’s Chess is held alongside the Norwegian Chess Main Event.The tournament features the same format, number of players, playing conditions and prize pool as the Open event, setting the benchmark for gender equality in professional chess.In the Open category, India’s R Praggnanandhaa has confirmed his participation, along with reigning World Rapid and Blitz champion Magnus Carlsen and Germany’s No. 1 Vincent Keymer.
