Indian chess superstar Divya Deshmukh shines brighter on Forbes India 30 under 30 list
The women's chess world cup winner and one of India's latest grandmasters, Divya Deshmukh is listed on the Forbes India 30 under 30 , 2026 list. Divya's immense growth in her career is a testament to the growth of the sport in the country.
Arteyo
1/12/20261 min read
Divya Deshmukh's Forbes Debut
One of India's brightest chess star grandmaster Divya Deshmukh had a fantastic run in 2025. She not only won the women's chess world cup, the first Indian to do so but also achieved the title of a grandmaster, only the fourth female Indian chess player to achieve the much coveted title.
On the 12th of January, Forbes India enlisted he name in the 30 under 30 list of 2026 mentioning, "At 20, Divya Deshmukh has emerged as one of Indian chess’s brightest talents.
Her career‑defining year came in 2025, when she won the FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating several of the world’s leading players. The victory also earned her the Grandmaster title, making her only the fourth Indian woman to achieve the honour.
The win followed her double gold medal performance at the 2024 Chess Olympiad. Deshmukh is now setting her sights on Candidates 2026, where eight elite players will compete for the chance to challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun.
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With the FIDE candidates, olympiad, world chess championship, total world chess championship and other major events packed for the year, we have to wait and watch how Divya performs.
