At just nine years old, Divi Bijesh from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has already established herself as a formidable force in the chess world. With an ability to see 10 moves ahead, she has earned the prestigious Woman Candidate Master title from FIDE, becoming the youngest girl from Kerala to achieve this distinction.
A Journey of Talent & Dedication
- Divi’s chess journey began when she accompanied her brother Devnath Bijesh to a national competition. Despite minimal training, she finished runner-up in the National Under-7 Girls Championship, revealing her natural talent.
- Since then, she has won over 60 titles across international, national, and state-level competitions, proving her exceptional skill and dedication.
Global Recognition & Achievements
- Divi recently won India’s only gold medal at the FIDE World Cadet & Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships in Rhodes, Greece, scoring 10 out of 11 points in the Under-10 girls category.
- She also secured a silver medal in the Blitz section, further cementing her status as a rising star in Indian chess.
Balancing Chess & Academics
- A fourth-grade student at Alan Feldman Public School, Divi seamlessly juggles her academic responsibilities with her intense chess training.
- Her father, Bijesh S, has dedicated himself to supporting her career, even leaving his IT job to accompany her to tournaments.
Future Aspirations
- Divi’s next big goal is to compete in the upcoming World Cup in Georgia, aiming to bring more glory to India.
- She draws inspiration from Magnus Carlsen, frequently studying his games to refine her strategic approach.
With her unwavering determination and exceptional talent, Divi Bijesh is poised to become one of India’s greatest chess champions.