From no norms to Grandmaster: Divya Deshmukh becomes India’s 88th GM and fourth among Indian women

Nagpur’s Divya Deshmukh, 19, has become India’s 88th Grandmaster after winning the Women’s World Cup in Batumi. She bypassed the traditional norm-and-rating route, achieving the title directly due to her victory. Previously an International Master, Divya’s win marks a significant leap in her career. World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura congratulated her, acknowledging India’s rising prominence in chess.