Divya Deshmukh and Kazybek Nogerbek Triumph at FIDE U-20 World Chess Championship 2024

The 2024 FIDE U-20 World Chess Championship, organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), witnessed a remarkable achievement as 18-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur, India, clinched the FIDE Under-20 Girl’s World Chess Championship title. Deshmukh’s triumph marks her as the fourth Indian woman to win this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of chess legends Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and Soumya Swaminathan.

Deshmukh’s Dominance

Deshmukh’s performance at the championship was nothing short of extraordinary. She remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and secured a decisive victory in her final round-robin match against Bulgarian Grand Master Beloslava Krasteva. With a remarkable score of 10 points out of a possible 11, Deshmukh demonstrated her unwavering focus and strategic brilliance.

This triumph comes on the heels of Deshmukh’s consecutive title win at the Sharjah Challenger in May 2024, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the world of chess.

Podium Finishers

Mariam Mkrtchyan of Armenia secured the second spot with an impressive 9.5 points, while International Master Ayan Allahverdiyeva of Azerbaijan claimed the third position with 8.5 points.

Deshmukh’s remarkable achievement has propelled her to become the second-highest-rated girl under 20 and the 20th overall on the FIDE Women’s list. This achievement has earned her a well-deserved spot on the Indian team for the upcoming 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.

Kazybek Nogerbek’s Historic Triumph in the Boy’s Section

In the men’s section, 20-year-old Grand Master Kazybek Nogerbek from Kazakhstan etched his name in history by claiming the FIDE World Junior Chess Championship title.

Tie-Break Thriller

Nogerbek and Armenian Grand Master M Emin Ohanyan both scored an impressive 8.5 points out of 11 rounds. However, Nogerbek’s superior tie-break score secured him the coveted championship title, relegating Ohanyan to the second position.

Grand Master Luka Budisavljevic of Serbia rounded out the podium finishers with an impressive score of 8 points, earning him the third place.

The Grandeur of the FIDE U-20 World Chess Championship 2024

The 2024 FIDE U-20 World Chess Championship, held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, from June 2 to 13, witnessed the participation of nearly 230 players from 44 different national chess federations. This prestigious event showcased the incredible talent and strategic prowess of the world’s top young chess players, setting the stage for an intense battle of wits and skills.

A Celebration of Indian Chess Excellence

Divya Deshmukh’s remarkable achievement adds another feather to India’s cap in the world of chess. She joins the illustrious ranks of Indian chess grandmasters who have brought glory to the nation on the global stage.

The World Junior Chess Championship has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1951. Initially held every two years, the tournament has been an annual event since 1973. In 1982, girls were also allowed to participate, opening the doors for talented female players to showcase their skills on the international stage.

Indian Winners of the World Junior Chess Championship

India has produced several remarkable winners in the World Junior Chess Championship over the years:

Divya Deshmukh’s triumph at the FIDE U-20 World Chess Championship 2024 not only brings immense pride to India but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring young chess players around the world. Her dedication, skill, and unwavering spirit exemplify the qualities that define true champions.