Is Kerala’s Young Chess Prodigy Making Moves to Greatness?
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Synopsis
Discover the inspiring journey of Divi Bijesh, a 10-year-old chess sensation from Kerala. With remarkable achievements in national and world championships, her story showcases determination, family support, and a passion for inspiring young girls to embrace chess.
Key Takeaways
- Divi Bijesh is a remarkable young chess talent from Kerala.
- She has achieved significant titles at national and world levels.
- Her family's support is crucial to her success.
- Divi promotes chess among young girls, inspiring them to pursue the game.
- Balance between academics and sports is essential for young achievers.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12 (NationPress) When Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Divi Bijesh sits in front of a chessboard, everything around her fades away.
At merely 10 years old, this fifth-grade student from Allen Feldman Public School in the state's capital already has an impressive portfolio. Her most recent accomplishment—a silver medal at the National Under-11 Girls Chess Championship in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, last week—adds yet another feather to her cap.
In Jalgaon, Divi finished tied for first place, scoring 9 points alongside Krishna Tamhane Jain from Maharashtra and Poojashree R. Venkalav from Tamil Nadu. The Buchholz tiebreaker ranked Krishna first, with Divi in second and Poojashree in third.
For Divi, this outcome signified more than just a medal—it was a validation of her years of hard work.
“I began playing chess at 7, inspired by my brother Devnath,” she reminisces. “From my very first game, I was captivated. Chess teaches you to think ahead, focus, and persist.”
Her coach, G.S. Sreejith, along with her encouraging family, has played a crucial role in her achievements.
2025 has been remarkable for Divi. She claimed the title of World Champion in both the World Cup U-10 and the World Cadet Rapid U-10 categories, earned a silver medal as World Vice Champion in the World Cadet Blitz U-10, and was runner-up in the World School Chess Championship.
This follows her earlier Under-11 National title and a series of medals at Asian and Commonwealth championships.
Behind these successes is a family making continual sacrifices.
“Travel, training, and tournaments come with significant costs,” says her father, Bijesh. “We are seeking sponsorship so she can embrace every opportunity that comes her way.”
Outside of chess, Divi balances her life with another hobby—sketching. After intense competitions, she finds solace in drawing, a self-taught skill that brings her creative peace.
Her journey is as much about motivating others as it is about accumulating titles.
“I hope more children, especially girls, will engage in chess,” she expresses with a grin, adding, “It’s enjoyable and teaches patience and determination.”
From an inquisitive 7-year-old to a world champion, Divi’s narrative is still in progress—and with every move, she edges closer to her next checkmate.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight the dedication and talent of young achievers like Divi Bijesh. Her story is a powerful reminder that with passion and support, the youth can reach unprecedented heights in their pursuits. We stand committed to promoting these narratives that inspire and empower the next generation.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Divi Bijesh to start playing chess?
Divi began her chess journey at the age of 7, inspired by her brother, Devnath, who introduced her to the game.
What are some of Divi's recent achievements?
Divi has secured a silver medal at the National Under-11 Girls Chess Championship and has won titles in various world championships, including World Champion in the U-10 categories.
How does Divi balance her chess career and studies?
Alongside her rigorous chess training, Divi is a fifth-grade student at Allen Feldman Public School, maintaining a balance between academics and her passion for chess.
What support does Divi receive from her family?
Divi's family is highly supportive, making significant sacrifices to facilitate her training, travel, and participation in tournaments.
What message does Divi have for young girls interested in chess?
Divi encourages young girls to take up chess, emphasizing that it's a fun game that teaches patience and determination.
