Punjab Newsline,Sports:
India’s youngest woman Grandmaster to debut in Oslo after stellar World Cup triumph
Indian chess continues its golden rise on the world stage as Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh has been officially confirmed as a participant in Norway Chess Women 2026, one of the most prestigious tournaments in global chess. At just 19 years of age, Divya will become the youngest player ever to compete in the women’s section of the elite event since its launch in 2024, marking another historic milestone in her rapidly flourishing career.
Divya’s entry into the Norway Chess Women field comes on the back of a sensational 2025 season, where she stunned the chess world by winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup. That landmark victory not only earned her the coveted Grandmaster (GM) title but also secured her qualification for the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, firmly placing her among the world’s chess elite. With this achievement, Divya became the fourth Indian woman in history to earn the GM title, underlining India’s growing dominance in international chess.
Expressing her excitement ahead of the tournament, Divya said she is eagerly looking forward to her first visit to Norway and competing in the tournament’s unique and challenging format. She also thanked fans for their continued support, calling Norway Chess a “prestigious” event she is proud to be part of.
Beyond individual success, Divya has been a standout performer for India on the global stage. She has played a key role in India’s recent international campaigns, winning both individual and team gold medals at the latest Chess Olympiad, further cementing her reputation as one of the most promising young players of her generation.
Announcing her inclusion, Norway Chess praised Divya’s achievements, highlighting her World Cup win, Grandmaster title, Olympiad gold medals, and her historic status as the youngest-ever participant in the tournament. Tournament organisers also emphasised India’s growing influence in world chess.
Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess, welcomed Divya to the event, stating that India continues to produce exceptional young talent and that Divya perfectly represents this momentum. Her debut in Oslo is expected to draw significant attention from the global chess community, especially India’s rapidly expanding chess fan base.
With talent, confidence and history on her side, Divya Deshmukh’s Norway Chess Women 2026 debut promises to be one of the most exciting chapters in modern women’s chess.