Divya Deshmukh Shines at TOISA 2025: Crowned ‘Emerging Sportsperson of the Year’ as Indian Chess Soars to New Heights
Divya Deshmukh Shines at TOISA 2025, Crowned ‘Emerging Sportsperson of the Year’
LUCKNOW: In a dazzling celebration of athletic excellence, Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh was awarded the coveted title of ‘Emerging Sportsperson of the Year’ at the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 on Saturday night. The ceremony, held in Lucknow, spotlighted the future icons of Indian sports, with the 20-year-old chess prodigy from Nagpur stealing the show.
The 2025 edition of TOISA recognized outstanding athletes across more than 45 sporting categories, highlighting exceptional performances from January 1 to December 31, 2025. This year marked a pivotal moment for Indian chess, with Divya’s remarkable ascent serving as a beacon of the nation’s sporting achievements on the global stage.
Divya’s journey in 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. She transitioned from a promising talent to a formidable global contender, culminating in her crowning achievement at the Women’s Chess World Cup. There, she outmaneuvered a field of elite competitors to clinch the title, a victory that not only marked a significant tournament win but also paved her way to the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title. With this triumph, Divya became India’s 88th Grandmaster and only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this remarkable feat.
Her tactical brilliance and composure under pressure throughout the season also secured her qualification for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, firmly establishing her as a serious contender for the World Championship.
The award was bestowed upon Divya by an esteemed jury of legendary athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, hockey icon PR Sreejesh, cricketing legend Mithali Raj, table tennis stalwart Achanta Sharath Kamal, tennis great Leander Paes, and para-athletics pioneer Devendra Jhajharia. Their collective expertise and understanding of high-pressure competition ensure that the TOISA honors remain the gold standard for recognizing athletic brilliance in India.
As Divya Deshmukh sets her sights on the Candidates Tournament in 2026, this award not only celebrates her past achievements but also cements her status as a leading figure in India’s new generation of sporting superstars. The future looks bright for this chess prodigy, and the world will be watching as she continues to break barriers and redefine excellence in the sport.