New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, the current FIDE Women’s World Cup champion, has secured a wild card for the upcoming FIDE World Cup 2025, which is set to occur in Goa from October 31 to November 27.

The 19-year-old prodigy from Nagpur earned her spot after a last-minute withdrawal of another competitor. Notably, former women’s world champions Ju Wenjun and Hou Yifan previously declined their invitations. This decision guarantees a place for India’s promising young talent in one of the most esteemed competitions on the international chess calendar.

In the past two years, Divya has demonstrated remarkable growth, recently participating in the open section of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, where she achieved two wins and six draws in 11 rounds. Although her final score was modest, the event showcased her determination against top-tier opponents.

Her wild card entry adds excitement to the Indian representation at the 11th edition of the World Cup, featuring a record 21 players from India. The team will be led by the reigning world champion D. Gukesh, who is eagerly anticipated as the main draw.

The FIDE World Cup is a biennial tournament recognized as one of the most rigorous in the sport. With 206 participants, it operates on a single-elimination, knockout format involving mini-matches that challenge both nerves and skill. This year, the stakes are particularly high, as the top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, determining the next challenger for the world championship.

For Divya, this tournament represents both a platform and a chance. As the current Women’s World Cup holder, she has established her status as one of her generation’s finest players. Competing in Goa will allow her to measure her abilities against the strongest chess players globally — a challenge that could significantly advance her journey toward elite status.