Divya Deshmukh to compete in FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in September

Divya Deshmukh is already qualified for the Candidates Tournament 2026.

Divya Deshmukh is on a juggernaut and shows no signs of slowing down. After her historic victory at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, the 19-year-old chess sensation is now set for her next big challenge, the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 Open Section, scheduled to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this September.

Just last month in Batumi, Divya became a grandmaster, the first Indian and youngest-ever champion of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup beating fellow Indian Koneru Humpy in final. The Nagpur born young chess talent could have rested on this achievement, but she is aiming even higher by entering the Open category.

Divya received a wildcard entry into the Open section in Samarkand. She announced the new on her Instagram saying, “So, the news I posted yesterday was that I will be participating in the Open Grand Swiss this year.”

Russia’s Aleksandra Goryachkina also received a wildcard into the Open section. FIDE confirmed: “Both Deshmukh and Aleksandra Goryachkina, who have already qualified for the FIDE Women’s Candidates, chose to request wild cards for the FIDE Grand Swiss Open rather than compete in the FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss.”

By reaching the finals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 both Koneru Humpy, Divya has already qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament where the winner will challenge the current women’s world champion.

Also, Goryachkina has secured her spot in the Candidates by winning the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2025.

Also Read: Records Divya Deshmukh made by winning FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 title

Yet, both chose the Open section, seeking a tougher challenge rather than playing in the women’s category, which could have been less competitive.

Unlike other sports, in chess open category allows players to compete against men as well, and Divya will face a stellar Indian lineup: World Champion D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi are the top seeds, while R. Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin are among the top 20.

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