Divya Deshmukh Set to Make History as Youngest Competitor in Norway Chess Women's Tournament
In a landmark announcement, Indian chess sensation Divya Deshmukh has been confirmed as a participant in the prestigious Norway Chess Women's tournament, scheduled to take place in Oslo from May 25 to June 5, 2026. At just 19 years old, Deshmukh will become the youngest player ever to compete in this elite women's event since its inception in 2024, marking a significant milestone in her rapidly ascending career.
A Breakthrough Season Earns Elite Invitation
Deshmukh's invitation to Norway Chess comes on the heels of a spectacular 2025 season that firmly established her among the world's chess elite. Her remarkable achievements include:
- Winning the FIDE Women's World Cup, a major international championship.
- Earning the coveted Grandmaster (GM) title, becoming only the fourth Indian woman in history to achieve this distinction.
- Qualifying for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the Women's World Chess Championship.
These accomplishments have not only showcased her exceptional talent but also positioned her as one of the brightest young stars in global chess, making her selection for Norway Chess a natural progression.
Tournament Field and Format Details
The Norway Chess Women's event features a six-player double round-robin format, ensuring each competitor faces every other player twice. So far, the organizers have announced two other participants alongside Deshmukh:
- Bibisara Assaubayeva, a formidable contender from Kazakhstan.
- Anna Muzychuk, the defending champion from Ukraine, who won the 2025 edition.
The remaining three players in the women's field are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, adding to the anticipation surrounding this high-profile tournament.
India's Growing Presence in Norway Chess
Deshmukh's participation continues a strong trend of Indian representation at Norway Chess, which has become one of the world's premier chess tournaments. Notable Indian involvements in recent years include:
- Praggnanandhaa R competing in the 2024 open section, where he famously defeated Magnus Carlsen in classical chess for the first time.
- Gukesh D and Arjun Erigaisi featuring in the 2025 open edition, with Gukesh also securing a historic win over Carlsen.
- Vaishali Rameshbabu participating in both the 2024 and 2025 women's events.
- Koneru Humpy playing in the 2025 women's tournament.
This consistent inclusion highlights India's rising stature in international chess and the tournament's appeal to top players from the country.
Excitement and Expectations from Key Figures
Deshmukh expressed her enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating in an official release from Norway Chess: "I'm incredibly excited to be competing in Norway Chess. It's my first time in the country, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what Norway is like. I can't wait to experience this unique format and compete in such a prestigious tournament. To all the fans rooting for me, thank you for the love and encouragement, see you all there!"
Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess, commented on Deshmukh's selection: "India continues to produce outstanding young chess talent, and Divya is a great example of that momentum. We're delighted to welcome her to Norway Chess Women and look forward to engaging a growing Indian chess audience as she makes her debut in Oslo."
Norway Chess Women: A Pioneering Initiative
Launched in 2024, Norway Chess Women represents a groundbreaking step toward gender equality in professional chess. It is the world's first fully equal super tournament for women, running parallel to the main Norway Chess open event. Key features include:
- The same format, number of players, playing conditions, and prize fund as the open tournament.
- A platform that brings together the world's strongest female players in a highly competitive setting.
- An initiative that has quickly gained prestige, now entering its third edition with increased global visibility.
This tournament not only provides elite competition but also sets a new benchmark for inclusivity in the sport, making Deshmukh's debut all the more significant.
Open Section and Broader Tournament Context
In the open section of Norway Chess 2026, organizers have already announced three participants: Magnus Carlsen of Norway, Praggnanandhaa R of India, and Vincent Keymer of Germany. Norway Chess has gained renown over the past decade as one of the top classical chess events globally, particularly because it consistently attracts Carlsen, the former world champion, who participates annually.
The tournament will be held at Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo, offering a world-class venue for what promises to be an exciting showcase of chess talent across both sections.
