Divya Deshmukh set to make Norway Chess Women debut

Riding the momentum of a remarkable 2025, Divya Deshmukh has earned an invitation to compete at the super-elite Norway Chess Women tournament, scheduled to be held in Oslo from May 25 to June 5. The 19-year-old will become the youngest player to feature in the women’s event since its launch in 2024, marking another milestone in her rapidly rising career.

So far, organisers have confirmed that Bibisara Assaubayeva and defending champion Anna Muzychuk will join Deshmukh in the six-player field, with the remaining three participants to be announced in the coming weeks. The tournament will be staged at Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo and will follow Norway Chess’ distinctive six-player double round-robin classical format.

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Deshmukh’s invitation follows a breakthrough year in which she won the FIDE Women’s World Cup, secured the Grandmaster title and qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.

At just 19, she became only the fourth Indian woman in history to earn the GM title, underlining India’s growing presence at the highest level of global 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!” Deshmukh was quoted as saying in a statement released by Norway Chess.

Norway Chess Women, launched in 2024, is the world’s first fully equal super tournament for women, staged alongside the main Norway Chess open event. It mirrors the open tournament in format, number of players, playing conditions, and prize fund, setting a new benchmark for gender equality in professional chess.

Now entering its third edition, the event has quickly established itself as one of the most prestigious stages for elite women’s chess.

“India continues to produce outstanding young chess talent, and Divya is a great example of that momentum,” says Benedicte Westre Skog, COO of Norway Chess. “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.”