Meet Divya Deshmukh: All You Need To Know About Indian Chess Player Who Faced Sexism From Fans - In Pics

Divya Deshmukh, born on December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is a rising star in Indian chess. Hailing from a family of accomplished doctors, she has become a beacon of inspiration for many.

Introduced to chess by her father at the age of 5, Divya's early exposure to the game paved the way for her impressive career. Her interest grew rapidly, leading to her recognition as a prodigy and a force to be reckoned with.

Divya's chess journey has been nothing short of spectacular. Winning her first national award at the age of 7 and securing gold medals in the Asian School Chess Championship marked the beginning of a series of achievements that would follow.

The young prodigy has left an indelible mark on the international stage. Her notable accomplishments include being part of the historic FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020-winning team and securing the title of India’s 21st Woman Grandmaster in 2021.

Divya Deshmukh's list of accolades is impressive, with victories in various championships like the Asian Youth Chess Championship, Commonwealth Games, and the recent triumph in the women's rapid section of the TATA Steel India Chess Championship.

Divya's chess prowess is reflected in her FIDE ratings: standard-2420, rapid-2401, and blitz-2353. With a world ranking of 2312 (all players) and 1514 (active players), she continues to climb the ladder of success.

Despite her accomplishments, Divya faced sexism at the Tata Steel Masters, where spectators focused on irrelevant aspects like her appearance rather than her game. She took to social media to address this issue, highlighting the challenges women face in the chess community.

Divya's revelation sparked a conversation within the chess community. While some showed solidarity, others criticized her stand. The incident raises awareness about the need for equal respect and recognition for female players.

Chess legend Susan Polgar echoed Divya's sentiments, sharing her own experiences of sexism in chess. Polgar revealed she consciously presented herself as plain to avoid being sexualized, shedding light on the persistent challenges faced by women in the sport.

Divya Deshmukh's journey continues to inspire aspiring chess players, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. As the chess community reflects on the recent incident, it is a reminder that talent and skill should be the focus, irrespective of gender.