Divya Deshmukh Won Under-20 World Chess Championship 2024

Divya Deshmukh's Historic Victory

18-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur, India, has etched her name in chess history by winning the FIDE Under-20 Girl's World Chess Championship 2024. Held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from June 2 to 13, the tournament saw Deshmukh dominate with an unbeaten record, scoring an impressive 10 points out of 11. Her final round-robin victory against Bulgarian Grand Master Beloslava Krasteva sealed her championship.

Deshmukh's triumph makes her the fourth Indian woman to clinch this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of chess luminaries Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and Soumya Swaminathan. This win, coupled with her recent success at the Sharjah Challenger in May 2024, has catapulted her to become the second-highest-rated under-20 female player globally and secured her the 20th spot on the FIDE Women's list.

Men's Championship and International Participation

In the men's section, 20-year-old Kazakh Grand Master Kazybek Nogerbek emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish. Nogerbek and Armenian Grand Master M Emin Ohanyan both scored 8.5 points, but Nogerbek's superior tie-break score clinched him the world title. Serbian Grand Master Luka Budisavljevic secured third place with 8 points.

The 2024 FIDE U-20 World Chess Championship showcased a truly global representation, with nearly 230 players from 44 national chess federations competing. This diversity underscores the universal appeal and competitive nature of youth chess at the highest level.

India's Chess Legacy

Deshmukh's victory adds another illustrious chapter to India's rich chess history. The country has consistently produced world-class talent in this mental sport, with several players earning accolades at the World Junior Chess Championship. Notable Indian winners include:

-  Vishwanathan Anand (Male, 1987)

-  Pentala Harikrishana (Male, 2004)

-  Abhijeet Gupta (Male, 2008)

-  Koneru Humpy (Female, 2001)

-  Harika Dronavalli (Female, 2008)

-  Soumya Swaminathan (Female, 2009)

-  Divya Deshmukh (Female, 2024)

Deshmukh's 2024 victory continues this proud tradition, reinforcing India's status as a chess powerhouse.

The Road Ahead

Divya Deshmukh's remarkable achievement has earned her a well-deserved spot on the Indian team for the upcoming 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. This platform will provide her with an opportunity to compete against the world's best and further hone her skills.

The World Junior Chess Championship, inaugurated in 1951 and held annually since 1973, has been a launching pad for many chess greats. The tournament's expansion to include a girls' section in 1982 has significantly contributed to the growth of women's chess globally.

Deshmukh's journey from a young talent in Nagpur to a world champion epitomizes the dreams of countless aspiring chess players. Her unbeaten run in the championship not only showcases her tactical acumen but also her mental fortitude—a crucial attribute in high-stakes competitions.

As chess continues to gain popularity worldwide, especially among the youth, victories like Deshmukh's serve as powerful motivators. They demonstrate that with dedication, rigorous training, and unwavering focus, it's possible to achieve greatness on the global stage, regardless of age or background.

The 2024 FIDE U-20 World Chess Championship has thus not only crowned new champions but also reinforced the notion that chess remains a vibrant, competitive, and globally inclusive sport. As these young champions progress in their careers, the chess world eagerly anticipates the fresh perspectives and innovative strategies they will bring to the game.