Divya Deshmukh Set to Make Historic Debut at Norway Chess Women Tournament in 2024

Divya Deshmukh, an Indian Grandmaster and World Cup winner, is set to debut at the Norway Chess Women tournament later this year.

At 19, she will be the youngest participant since the tournament's inception

in 2024. The event will take place in Oslo from May 25 to June 5, following a successful season that solidified her status among the world's top players.

Deshmukh's achievements last year were significant. She won the Women's World Cup in Batumi, earning her the Grandmaster title and a spot in the Women's Candidates tournament.

Her participation in Norway Chess Women places her alongside notable players like Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva, the reigning World Blitz champion, and Ukraine's Anna Muzychuk, the defending champion of Norway Chess Women.

Young Talent Shines at Norway Chess

Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament, Deshmukh stated, "I'm incredibly excited to be competing in Norway 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 the fans rooting for me, thank you for the love and encouragement, see you all there. "

Last year saw Indian Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and R. Vaishali participate in the women's section of the tournament held in Stavanger. Deshmukh's achievement as the fourth Indian woman to earn the GM title highlights India's growing prowess on the international chess scene.

India's Rising Chess Stars

Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess, remarked on India's burgeoning chess talent: "India continues to produce outstanding young chess talent, and Divya is a great example of that momentum. We're delighted to welcome her to Norway Chess Women and look forward to engaging a growing Indian chess audience as she makes her debut in Oslo. "

Deshmukh has also excelled internationally, securing both individual and team gold medals for India. Her reputation as one of her generation's most promising young players continues to grow.

Equal Opportunities in Professional Chess

The Norway Chess Women tournament runs concurrently with the main Norway Chess event. It mirrors the Open event in format, player count, playing conditions, and prize fund, setting a standard for gender equality in professional chess.

In the Open category, India's R Praggnanandhaa will compete alongside reigning World Rapid and Blitz champion Magnus Carlsen and Germany's top player Vincent Keymer.

With inputs from PTI