From Screens to Chess: The Inspiring Journey of Divisha Naveen Nayakula
The Screen-Time Solution: How a Toddler’s Curiosity Led to Chess Stardom
In an age where screens dominate children’s attention, one family’s quest to limit screen time has led to an inspiring chess journey. Meet Divisha Naveen Nayakula, a young chess prodigy whose story began with her parents’ simple wish to keep her away from devices when she was just a toddler.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world grappled with lockdowns, Divisha’s parents sought engaging activities that would captivate their curious three-year-old without resorting to phones or tablets. It was then that Divisha stumbled upon a chessboard, intrigued by her parents’ games. Her fascination sparked a journey that would change her life.
Recognizing her interest, Divisha’s parents enrolled her in a local chess academy. Initially, the coach was hesitant to teach a child so young, but after witnessing Divisha’s eagerness and quick grasp of the game’s fundamentals, he agreed to give her a chance. To everyone’s surprise, she not only learned the names of the pieces but also began explaining the moves back to her coach, showcasing her innate talent.
Fast forward five years, and that inquisitive toddler has transformed into a formidable chess player with a FIDE rating of 1658 and a collection of medals. Recently, Divisha has taken her skills to the international stage, competing in tournaments across Sri Lanka, Georgia, and China. Each trip has not only brought home medals but also invaluable experiences and a newfound confidence in her abilities.
Divisha’s international debut came at the Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship 2026 in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. There, she finished sixth in the Classical section, a lesson in perseverance, and clinched a bronze medal in the Blitz section with an impressive score of 6 out of 7 points.
Her journey continued at the FIDE U-8 World Cup in Georgia, where she achieved her first FIDE rating of 1658 after scoring 7.5 out of 11 points and finishing 12th overall. This milestone solidified her belief in her potential as a chess player.
The highlight of her recent travels was the 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships in Shenzhen, China, where Divisha not only won team silver medals in both Classical and Rapid formats but also a bronze in Blitz. A memorable moment came when she faced off against former World Champion Ding Liren in a simul game, an experience that left her inspired and eager to learn.
Divisha’s development has been nurtured by two dedicated coaches: Sravanthy Gummadi, who laid the groundwork for her chess journey, and Dhairya Waghela of Upstep Academy, who has been guiding her since late 2025.
Looking ahead, Divisha has set her sights on winning the Under-9 Girls Nationals and competing in the Western Asian Championships. While she enjoys the thrill of faster time controls, she is also working on the patience required for classical chess.
As Divisha continues to grow as a player, her story serves as a reminder of the power of curiosity and the unexpected paths it can lead us down. What began as a simple wish to limit screen time has blossomed into a remarkable journey filled with achievements and dreams yet to be realized.
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