" The higher you go, the more stressful it gets " -Divya Deshmukh on her expectations of the candidates.

The higher you go, the more stressful it gets.

In this interview with FIDE, rising chess star Divya Deshmukh shares her mindset and expectations as she prepares for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament. Having qualified through an impressive World Cup victory, she discusses balancing her competitive drive to win with the excitement of being a first-time participant. Deshmukh reflects on the advantages of being a young underdog, noting that her lack of experience is outweighed by her work ethic and the reduced pressure she feels compared to veteran players. Beyond the chessboard, she highlights the importance of mental balance, planning to relax through activities like gardening and horse riding at the event's scenic venue. She also addresses her growing status as a role model for young girls in India while explaining her strategy of avoiding social media to maintain focus. Ultimately, the source portrays a determined and grounded athlete who is ready to embrace the challenges of elite-level competition. You can watch the full interview here - Divya Deshmukh on the FIDE Candidates 2026 and what changed after Women's World Cup victory

Charlize Van Zyl: I'm joined by Divya Deshmukh at the 2026 FIDE Women's Candidates. Divya, you've made it here to the Candidates and are sitting on the verge of starting this tournament. How do you feel?

Divya Deshmukh: I feel very excited, honoured to be here, and very happy. The location is great and I'm just looking forward to it.

Charlize Van Zyl: The way you qualified was exceptional—winning the Women's World Cup and also getting your Grandmaster title. So many things happening at once. How far ahead did you actually start thinking about this event and getting into the headspace?

Divya Deshmukh: I think I was already thinking about it the moment I won. I'm just looking forward to enjoying it; I gave my best for it and we'll see what happens.

Charlize Van Zyl: And how was your preparation over the last few months? Some players only found out recently that they were playing, but you knew since the World Cup. What was your preparation like?

Divya Deshmukh: I think it's been stressful and difficult, but I think I feel ready and we'll see.

Charlize Van Zyl: What are the goals you've set for yourself? Are you here to win this thing?

Divya Deshmukh: Of course I want to win this, but at the same time, it's also my first Candidates, so it's a whole new experience for me. I also want to enjoy it.

Charlize Van Zyl: Being new is something I've spoken about with other players; they say experience really helps with results, but then you look at someone like Gukesh who won. What are your thoughts on your lack of experience versus this ambition?

Divya Deshmukh: I think experience helps, but it only matters up to a certain point. After that, it's just how much you've worked and how much you're willing to give for it. Even in the World Cup, I was the less experienced one, but it's okay.

Charlize Van Zyl: You said you love the venue here in Cyprus. You've played in Cyprus before for the Women's Grand Prix. Does being more familiar with the country give you more confidence?

Divya Deshmukh: I played in a different city previously, and this is a completely different environment, but I really like being here. We are in a magnificent hotel with so many activities.

Charlize Van Zyl: I did some research and found that some hobbies you had were archery, gardening, and painting. Is that still something you do?

Divya Deshmukh: That is fake information! I've probably never done archery in my life.

Charlize Van Zyl: Well, they have it at the hotel if you wanted to start, by the way.

Divya Deshmukh: I would definitely—I think after a painful game, I would just want to get it out. But gardening, yes, I have done it with my grandmothers ever since I was little.

Charlize Van Zyl: How do you plan to relax in this tournament, other than the archery you might start?

Divya Deshmukh: I just heard that there are horses here, so I would definitely love to try horse riding. And, of course, just being at the beach makes me calm.

Charlize Van Zyl: So you're not just focusing on chess or staying stuck in your room; you're going to have a more balanced approach?

Divya Deshmukh: I think it's important to be balanced because it helps you keep a clear head.

Charlize Van Zyl: You are one of the youngest participants ever in the Candidates, playing against veterans who have been here many times. How do you feel about that?

Divya Deshmukh: Honestly, I feel grateful and proud of myself because not many people have been here at this young age. I think age adds an advantage because I don't think there's as much pressure on me—at least, not from others, only what I inflict on myself.

Charlize Van Zyl: Who are you looking forward to playing against?

Divya Deshmukh: All of them.

Charlize Van Zyl: Let's talk about your ESPN award that you got last year. How do you feel about this recognition and being a role model in Indian sports?

Divya Deshmukh: After the World Cup, a lot of things changed. In my hometown, I started getting recognized, and the most heartwarming thing was little girls telling me they follow my games and are inspired by me. That is a very big motivation. The ESPN award was a huge honour, and I'm just grateful I got it.

Charlize Van Zyl: The Indian fan base is very active on social media. It can be motivating, but do you also feel the pressure sometimes?

Divya Deshmukh: Yes, definitely, but I've been staying off social media, so it's been good.

Charlize Van Zyl: You've usually been very active on Instagram with one of the biggest followings here. You say you've stayed off of that?

Divya Deshmukh: Well, it's not me who's active; it's my account. I've thankfully been off social media for a while.

Charlize Van Zyl: What do you look forward to most in this tournament, other than the chess and winning?

Divya Deshmukh: Now that I'm informed about it, horse riding.

Charlize Van Zyl: Let us know how that goes! Just don't suffer a concussion right before the games—maybe start with a little pony?

Divya Deshmukh: Yeah, I need a pony.

Charlize Van Zyl: What do you want to tell your fans back home about what it's like being here at the Candidates?

Divya Deshmukh: I just arrived, so give me a few days!

Charlize Van Zyl: Let me rephrase: what's it like playing chess at this elite level?

Divya Deshmukh: The higher you go, the more stressful it gets because it becomes much more difficult. But I really like being the underdog because there's not much pressure and you get to surprise your opponents.

Charlize Van Zyl: Do you think you're the underdog in this tournament, even after your World Cup win?

Divya Deshmukh: I think so. I can make people believe I'm the underdog.

Charlize Van Zyl: Well, thank you so much, Divya. Good luck with the archery, the horse riding, and most of all, the chess.

Divya Deshmukh: Thank you so much