NewKerala.com

Key Points

Divi Bijesh, a 10-year-old chess sensation from Kerala, clinched silver at the National U-11 Girls Chess Championship. She has already won world titles in the U-10 category and credits her brother and coach for her success. Off the board, Divi finds peace in sketching, calling it her creative escape. Her journey inspires young girls to embrace chess for its lessons in patience and strategy.

Key Points: Kerala Chess Prodigy Divi Bijesh Wins Silver at National U-11

  • Divi Bijesh tied for first at National U-11 Girls Chess Championship
  • Won multiple world titles including World Cup U-10
  • Credits brother and coach for her chess journey
  • Balances chess with sketching for mental relaxation
2 min read

Kerala's young chess prodigy makes one move at a time

10-year-old Divi Bijesh secures silver at National U-11 Chess Championship, adding to her growing list of global chess accolades.

"Chess teaches you to think ahead, focus, and never give up. – Divi Bijesh"

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12

When Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Divi Bijesh sits before a chessboard, the world around her disappears.

At just 10 years old, the fifth-grade student of Allen Feldman Public School in the state capital already boasts an enviable resume. Her latest feat -- a silver medal at the National Under-11 Girls Chess Championship in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, last week -- is yet another jewel in her crown.

In Jalgaon, Divi tied for first place with 9 points alongside Maharashtra’s Krishna Tamhane Jain and Tamil Nadu’s Poojashree R. Venkalav. The Buchholz tiebreak placed Krishna first, Divi second, and Poojashree third.

For Divi, the result was more than just a medal -- it was a reaffirmation of years of effort.

“I started playing chess when I was 7, thanks to my brother Devnath,” she recalls. “From the first game, I loved it. Chess teaches you to think ahead, focus, and never give up.”

Her coach, G.S. Sreejith, along with her supportive family, has been instrumental in her success.

The year 2025 has been exceptional for Divi. She became World Champion in both the World Cup U-10 and the World Cadet Rapid U-10 categories, earned silver as World Vice Champion in the World Cadet Blitz U-10, and finished runner-up in the World School Chess Championship.

This comes in addition to her earlier Under-11 National title and a string of medals at Asian and Commonwealth championships.

Behind these achievements is a family making constant sacrifices.

“Travel, training, and tournaments are financially demanding,” says her father, Bijesh. “We’re looking for a sponsor so she can seize every opportunity ahead.”

Away from the chessboard, Divi finds balance in another passion -- sketching. After intense matches, she often unwinds with pencil and paper, a self-taught hobby that offers her creative calm.

Her journey is as much about inspiring others as it is about winning titles.

“I hope more kids, especially girls, will take up chess,” she says with a smile, adding, “It’s fun, and it teaches patience and determination.”

From a curious 7-year-old to a world champion, Divi’s story is still unfolding -- and with every move, she inches closer to her next checkmate.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
As a chess parent myself, I know how much dedication this requires from the whole family. Hope she gets a good sponsor soon. Corporate India should step up for such talents!
A
Arjun K
While her achievements are commendable, I wish media wouldn't put so much pressure on young kids. Let them enjoy their childhood too. Balance is important.
S
Shreya B
Chess + sketching - what a wonderful combination! Left brain and right brain both developing together. More schools should encourage such holistic development.
K
Karthik V
Another gem from Kerala! First Vishy, now Divi. When will other states wake up and invest in chess infrastructure like Kerala has done?
N
Nisha Z
Her message about girls in chess is so important. In my daughter's school, chess club is 90% boys. We need more role models like Divi to change this!
D
David E
As an expat in India, I'm amazed by the chess culture here. Kids like Divi show why India is becoming a global chess powerhouse. Future world champion material!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50