Kerala's 11-year-old girl Divi wins FIDE World Cup Under-12 title
Thiruvananthapuram, June 27
Eleven-year-old Chess prodigy Divi Bijesh of Kerala scripted another chapter in Indian chess history by clinching the FIDE World Cup Under-12 Girls Championship in Batumi, Georgia, becoming the first player from the state to win FIDE World Cup titles in both the Under-10 and Under-12 categories.
Representing India at the prestigious championship, Divi produced a commanding performance against a field of more than 85 of the world's leading young players, finishing with nine points from 11 rounds.
She seized sole lead after the seventh round and never relinquished it, before drawing her final-round game against Russia's Alisa Yunker to seal the world title.
The triumph marks Divi's third world title in just two years, further underlining her emergence as one of the brightest young talents in world chess.
She had created history in 2025 by becoming the inaugural FIDE World Cup Under-10 Girls champion and also won the World Under-10 Rapid Championship the same year.
Her latest success also secures qualification for the FIDE World Cadet Championship to be held later this year, where she will once again represent India on the global stage.
Still only 11-years-old, Divi has now amassed 25 medals, including 13 international gold medals, in an extraordinary career that has rapidly placed her among India's most accomplished young chess players.
A Class 6 student of Alan Feldman Public School in Thiruvananthapuram, Divi is the daughter of Bijesh and Prabha and the younger sister of Devnath Bijesh.
Her rise has been nurtured through the Chola Chess talent development programme, with guidance from Woman Grandmaster Aarthi Ramaswamy and Woman FIDE Master Harshini.
Her long-time coach and mentor, Sreejith G.S. of Masters Chess Academy in Thiruvananthapuram, has played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
Already the youngest Woman Candidate Master (WCM) from Kerala and recipient of the Kerala Ujjwala Balyam Award, Divi's latest triumph adds another glittering milestone to Indian chess and reinforces Kerala's growing reputation as a nursery for world-class talent.
— IANS
Reader Comments
She's not just winning titles, she's dominating! 9 points from 11 rounds is phenomenal. Makes me proud to be Indian. But I hope the government supports her with proper funding—talent like this needs nurturing, not just accolades.
This is amazing news! A big big congratulations to Divi and her family. 25 medals already at age 11... I'm 30 and haven't even finished one project 😂. Seriously though, Kerala chess coaches and academies deserve recognition too.
Impressive performance. She's clearly got a bright future ahead. But let's not put too much pressure on her—she's still a child. Hope she can enjoy her childhood too alongside the chess.
Three world titles in two years—our girl is on fire! 🔥 Well done Divi and team. The Chola chess programme is doing great work. Hope we see many more like her from Kerala and other states too.
So proud of this little champion! She's making India shine on the global stage. But I hope the media and public don't forget her education—she's only in Class 6. Balance is key. Congratulations anyway! 🏆
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