Divya Deshmukh: India’s Top Female Chess Player Honored

Indian International Master Divya Deshmukh has been recognized as the Best Female Player at the 2026 FIDE Excellence Awards. This honor was given during the closing of the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, according to FIDE.

Divya, born on December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, has achieved many successes in chess. She won the Indian Women’s Chess Championship in 2022, the Asian Women’s Chess Championship in 2023, and the FIDE World Junior Girls’ Championship in 2024.

At just 18 years old, Divya played a crucial role in India’s gold medal win at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. She scored 9.5 points out of 11 games and won the individual gold medal on the third board. In 2025, she made history by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup, earning her a Grandmaster title and a spot in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Divya’s world ranking is currently at number 648.

Additionally, another young talent, Bodhana Sivanandan, an Indian-origin schoolgirl from London, became the youngest Woman Grandmaster (WGM) during the same Chess Olympiad. At just 11 years old, she set a new record by playing all 11 rounds on England’s top board, finishing with eight points.

Bodhana expressed her joy at this achievement but said she wants to continue making history. She also shared how chess ties into her schoolwork and interests.

Both players highlight the growing talent in chess, showing how young athletes are making significant strides in the sport.