Divya Deshmukh becomes the 22nd Woman Grandmaster of India
19/10/2021 - Divya Deshmukh scored her final WGM-norm in her first tournament in over 17 months at First Saturday GM October 2021. She scored 5.0/9, performed at 2452 to become India's latest Woman Grandmaster. She also scored her second IM-norm in the process. The first two WGM-norms and an IM-norm were scored by February 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic delayed her an opportunity to play over-the-board tournaments. However, that did not deter her from practicing and getting ready for opportunities. Last year, she won Gold for the Indian team at FIDE Online Olympiad 2020. She is now just her final IM-norm away from becoming India's latest International Master. Photo: Amruta Mokal