Indian Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh has been handed a wildcard to the FIDE World Cup 2025 Open category, which will be held in Goa from October 30 to November 27. The 19-year-old’s entry comes on the back of her fighting display at the Grand Swiss in Samarkand, where she proved she could hold her own against a formidable field of elite players.
Grand Swiss Breakthrough
Playing in the Open section of the Grand Swiss, Divya scored 5.0/11, finishing above celebrated names such as Boris Gelfand, Karthikeyan Murali, Levon Aronian, and Alexander Grischuk.
Her performance also placed her on par with Aleksandra Goryachkina, one of the top women players in the world, who too secured a spot in the Open World Cup. For Divya, the Grand Swiss was more than just a tournament—it was a statement that she belonged on the biggest stage.
How the Wildcard Came Her Way
The wildcard became available after reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun and former top-ranked Hou Yifan declined invitations to the Open section. With another qualified player unable to participate, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich used the discretionary slot to reward Divya. Her consistent rise—highlighted by her recent Women’s World Cup triumph and attainment of the Grandmaster title—made her the natural choice.
This opportunity is especially significant because Divya will not be playing in the women’s bracket, but in the Open category, where she will face the very best, regardless of gender.
The knockout format of the World Cup leaves no room for complacency; every round will be a fresh test of nerves, strategy, and resilience. For Divya, it is a chance to measure her strength against world-class opposition and to continue breaking barriers for women in chess.
A Landmark for Indian Chess
Her inclusion also boosts the already strong Indian contingent expected in Goa. It reflects the growing depth of Indian chess, where a new generation of players is stepping onto the international stage with confidence. For young aspirants, Divya’s journey shows that bold performances in open competitions can open doors that once seemed out of reach.
