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Indian Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh is set to participate in the Norway Chess Women tournament in 2026, marking her as the youngest competitor since the event's inception in 2024. This announcement highlights her remarkable journey in the chess world, especially after a stellar 2025 season that positioned her among the elite players globally.

"I am thrilled to compete in Norway Chess. This will be my first visit to the country, and I am eager to explore what Norway has to offer. I look forward to experiencing this unique format and participating in such a prestigious event. Thank you to all my supporters for their encouragement; I can't wait to see you there!" expressed Deshmukh.

In 2025, Deshmukh achieved significant milestones, including winning the FIDE Women's World Cup, earning her Grandmaster title, and qualifying for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament. At just 19, she became the fourth Indian woman to attain the GM title, showcasing India's rising prominence in the chess arena.

Her international representation has also been commendable, as she secured both individual and team gold medals, solidifying her status as one of the most promising young talents in chess.

"India is producing remarkable young chess talents, and Divya exemplifies this trend," stated Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess. "We are excited to welcome her to Norway Chess Women and anticipate engaging with the expanding Indian chess community as she makes her debut in Oslo."

Established in 2024, Norway Chess Women is recognized as the first fully equal super tournament for women in chess, running concurrently with the main Norway Chess event. It maintains the same format, player count, playing conditions, and prize fund as the open tournament, setting a new standard for gender equality in professional chess.