Sports
Divya Deshmukh Wins 'Emerging Sportsperson' at 2025 Times of India Awards
Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh was awarded 'Emerging Sportsperson of the Year' at the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 in Lucknow. The award recognized her achievements in chess during the evaluation period from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 took place in Lucknow on Saturday, recognizing athletes across 45 categories. The 'Emerging Sportsperson of the Year' award was conferred on 20-year-old Divya Deshmukh. Deshmukh's performance at the Women's Chess World Cup, where she secured the title, was a primary highlight. Her victory served as the final requirement for the Grandmaster (GM) title. She is India's 88th Grandmaster, and the fourth Indian woman to reach the title. Her performance qualified her for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament.
Key Facts
- Divya Deshmukh won 'Emerging Sportsperson of the Year' at the TOISA 2025 awards.
- The TOISA awards recognized sporting achievements from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
- Deshmukh won the Women's Chess World Cup in 2025.
- The World Cup win earned her the Grandmaster title.
- Deshmukh is the 88th Indian Grandmaster.
- She is the fourth Indian woman to become a Grandmaster.
- Deshmukh qualified for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Times of India — TOISA 2025: Chess sensation Divya Deshmukh named 'Emerging Sportsperson of the Year' | Chess News - The Times of India