Divya Deshmukh Set For Open Section Challenge At FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 In Uzbekistan

Divya Deshmukh To Play Open Section At FIDE Grand Swiss 2025.

FIDE Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh will compete in the Open section of the upcoming FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, scheduled in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 3 to 15.

The 19-year-old created history earlier this month by winning the Women’s World Cup in Batumi, defeating compatriot Humpy Koneru in the final through a tie-breaker after two drawn classical games. The triumph not only earned her $50,000 prize money and the prestigious trophy but also secured her Grandmaster title, making her India’s 88th GM and the first Indian woman to win the World Cup.

Reflecting on her journey, Divya credited meditation and mental focus for handling the pressure of top-level play. “I try to block out distractions and take one game at a time,” she said.

Her historic win was celebrated with a hero’s welcome in her hometown Nagpur, where the chess fraternity hailed her as a trailblazer. With her decision to enter the open field in Samarkand, Divya is set to test her skills against some of the world’s strongest players.