Divya Deshmukh enjoyed a remarkable 2025, a year in which the young Indian chess player won the Women’s World Cup, became a Grandmaster in one attempt and regularly stepped beyond the familiar territory of women-only competitions to test herself against some of the strongest players in open events.
The achievements eventually earned her the prestigious Arjuna Award, an honour that holds particular significance for the 20-year-old. Speaking to The Times of India, Divya reflected on what the recognition meant to her and revealed that she already has her sights set on an even bigger sporting honour.
“Arjuna has always been one of the honours that I wished to be recognised with as a child, so it feels quite special. And the fact that it comes after the World Cup is quite nice. It makes up a nice memory. It is very prestigious,” Divya tells The Times of India, before adding: “I am aiming for Khel Ratna now. That is something I would like to have someday.”
Missing the challenge of open tournaments
Unlike her breakthrough year in 2025, Divya has not been able to participate in open tournaments this year. However, she has made it clear that returning to those competitions remains an important part of her plans.
Elite women chess players do not often step away from women-only competitions to participate regularly in open events. Divya, however, took that route in 2025, playing in four open tournaments and competing against Grandmasters who were rated considerably higher than her.
Her performances showed that she could hold her own against some of the game's strongest players. One of the highlights came at the Grand Swiss, where she managed to hold world champion Gukesh to a draw.
Asked what attracts her to competing against men, Divya explained that she experiences less personal pressure in open competitions, even though the level of competition remains extremely high.
“I would say there is much less pressure personally for me to play in open tournaments. Of course, these are also extremely strong competitions. So it’s the best of both worlds.
“I have been missing the open events this year a lot, actually, and I should have played more. Definitely! But I think for now I don’t have time to play many more events, because the year is almost about to end for me. It wasn’t something that I did just last year. I’ve been doing it all my life, for about 15 years. It’s something that I really missed this year. This year, I’ll probably not play in open events. But next year, definitely,” Divya says.
According to The Times of India, Divya's interest in open tournaments is not a recent development. She has been competing outside the women's circuit for around 15 years, making it an established part of her chess journey rather than something she experimented with only during her successful 2025 campaign.
Global Chess League awaits
Divya's next major assignment will be the upcoming Global Chess League in Bengaluru, where she will represent Alpine APL Pipers.
The team features a strong line-up, including fellow Indians Vidit Gujrathi and Koneru Humpy, along with international stars such as Magnus Carlsen and Anish Giri.
The tournament will give Divya another opportunity to compete alongside and against some of the biggest names in international chess. However, as The Times of India reported, chess will not be the only thing occupying her attention during the tournament period.
Divya will also have to balance her sporting commitments with her university examinations, adding another responsibility to an already demanding schedule.
Immediately after the Global Chess League, she is expected to travel to Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad. Both Indian teams enter the competition as defending champions, adding further importance to the tournament.
Why team events matter to Divya
Chess is often viewed as an individual sport, with players spending long hours preparing and competing largely on their own. For Divya, however, team competitions offer a different kind of experience.
The opportunity to play alongside teammates and represent India gives her additional motivation, particularly at the Olympiad.
“The Olympiad is something that has been very important for all of us because we are representing India on a global stage and all of us want to win medals. So it is not as chill to compete in the Olympiad as compared to, let’s say, the World Rapid and Blitz Teams Championships. But definitely team events are fun, because you’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for a team. In the Olympiad, you’re playing for India, which adds extra motivation. For me, it’s just a nice thing to play in a team,” Divya says.
The Times of India noted that the contrast between individual and team events is something Divya appreciates. While much of her career has been built around personal performance, representing India provides an additional sense of purpose and responsibility.
Sharing the Arjuna moment with Vidit Gujrathi
Divya will not be the only chess player receiving the Arjuna Award this year. Fellow Maharashtrian and Indian chess star Vidit Gujrathi has also been named among the awardees.
For Divya, having two players from Maharashtra recognised at the same time makes the achievement even more special.
“It is very nice that two Maharashtrians are winning it at the same time. Of course, he has been playing chess for so long and has achieved so much. So for him, it’s long due.”
As reported by The Times of India, Divya's own Arjuna recognition comes after a year that transformed her standing in international chess. Her Women's World Cup victory, Grandmaster title and performances in open competitions helped establish her as one of India's rising chess talents.
Now, with the Arjuna Award already secured, her ambitions are moving forward. The Khel Ratna is the next major honour on her radar, while tournaments such as the Global Chess League and Chess Olympiad will provide fresh opportunities to continue building her reputation on the international stage.
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