Kerala’s 11-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Divi Wins FIDE World Cup Under-12 Title

June 28, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram: Eleven-year-old chess prodigy Divi Bijesh of Kerala has scripted another historic milestone by winning the FIDE World Cup Under-12 Girls Championship held in Batumi, Georgia. With this achievement, she became the first player from Kerala to win FIDE World Cup titles in both the Under-10 and Under-12 categories.

Dominant Performance on Global Stage

Representing India at the prestigious international event, Divi delivered a commanding performance against more than 85 of the world’s top young players. She finished the tournament with nine points from 11 rounds.

She took sole leadership after the seventh round and maintained her position until the end. In the final round, she secured the title by drawing her game against Russia’s Alisa Yunker.

Third World Title in Two Years

This victory marks Divi’s third world title in just two years, highlighting her rapid rise as one of the brightest young chess talents globally.

Earlier, she made history in 2025 by becoming the inaugural FIDE World Cup Under-10 Girls Champion and also won the World Under-10 Rapid Championship in the same year.

Qualification for World Cadet Championship

Her latest success has also earned her qualification for the upcoming FIDE World Cadet Championship, where she will once again represent India on the international stage.

Despite being only 11 years old, Divi has already collected 25 medals, including 13 international gold medals, establishing herself as one of India’s most successful young chess players.

Early Life and Background

Divi is a Class 6 student at Alan Feldman Public School, Thiruvananthapuram. She is the daughter of Bijesh and Prabha and the younger sister of Devnath Bijesh.

Her chess development has been supported by the Chola Chess talent development programme, under the guidance of Woman Grandmaster Aarthi Ramaswamy and Woman FIDE Master Harshini. Her long-time coach, Sreejith G.S. of Masters Chess Academy, has played a key role in shaping her journey.

Awards and Recognition

Divi is already the youngest Woman Candidate Master (WCM) from Kerala and a recipient of the Kerala Ujjwala Balyam Award. Her latest victory further strengthens India’s reputation in global chess and highlights Kerala as a growing hub for world-class chess talent.