Maharashtra Chess Association to Host 5th Leg of FIDE Women’s Grand Prix from April 13
Top global Women Chess Players to be seen in action
Pune: The 10 players who participate in this series are Current World Rapid Champion and Olympiad Gold Winner GM Koneru Humpy of India, GM Harika Dronavalli GM Vaishali of India, IM Divya Deshmukh of India (wild card entry ), GM Zhu Jiner of China, IM Polina Shuvalova of Russia, IM Alina Kashlinskya of Poland, IM Salimova Nurgyul of Bulgaria, IM Batkhuyag of Mongolia, IM Melia Salome of Georgia, will be seen in action at the 5th Leg of FIDE Women’s Grand Prix which is being organised by Maharashtra Chess Association and to be played at Amanora The Fern Pune from 13th to 24th April 2025.
This event will feature some of the top women chess players from across the globe, including India’s finest, as they compete for a spot in the highly coveted Candidates Tournament, which ultimately
determines the World Chess Championship challenger , said Dr. Parinay Fuke, President of Maharashtra Chess Association.
Mr. Girish Chitale, Vice President of Maharashtra Chess Association said that,
This FIDE Grand Prix series (6 tournaments),will feature 14 top players selected based on their outstanding performances in earlier rounds of the series. In addition, 6 Wild Card entries have been nominated by the organizers of the six participating events across different countries.
Dr.Fuke added that, “We are thrilled to host the 5th Leg of the Women’s Chess Series here in Pune. It’s an honor to witness the immense talent of women chess players from around the world, and we are
particularly proud to have IM Divya Deshmukh, one of our finest players, participate in this event as a
Wild Card entry. This event will be a significant milestone in empowering women in chess and inspiring
the next generation of players.”
Mr. Niranjan Godbole, Secretary of Maharashtra Chess Association, stated “The Women’s Chess Series will bring together the best of global talent. The Maharashtra Chess Association is committed to providing a platform for Indian players to shine on the world stage.
We are excited to see participation of top Indian players GM Koneru Humpy, GM Harika Dronavalli, GM Vaishali R, and IM Divya Deshmukh in action here in Pune. Their participation reflects the growing
strength of Indian women in the world of chess.”
Mr. Aniruddha Deshpande, Senior Vice President of Maharashtra Chess Association said that, “Pune
has always been a hub for chess in India, and it’s an honour to host such a prestigious leg of the Women’s Chess Series. The top players from around the world will showcase their skills and
determination, and we are confident that this tournament will be a great success. Our goal is not only to promote chess but also to inspire women to excel in the sport at every level.”
Dr. Parineeta Fuke, Chairman of the Organizing Committee added that, “We are thrilled to host this prestigious event in Pune, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that this tournament is a success.
The Women’s Chess Series brings together some of the most talented and accomplished players. We
believe this tournament will not only bring international recognition to Pune but also inspire young women to take up chess at a competitive One of the most exciting aspects of the Pune leg is the inclusion of IM Divya Deshmukh, a rising star
from Nagpur, Maharashtra, as a Wild Card entry. Currently the highest-rated woman junior player in the world, Divya’s entry adds a new layer of excitement to the event, she added
Mr Godbole added The top 2 players of the Women’s Chess Series will automatically qualify for the Candidates Tournament, which plays a pivotal role in determining the next World Chess Championship
challenger.
The Women’s Chess Series is a global initiative, with events hosted in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Monaco, Cyprus, India, and Austria. Players from these countries, along with other chess powerhouses, will
compete for a place in the final tournament.
Indian Contingent at the Pune Leg. Mr. Siddharth Mayur, Working President of MCA, Mr.Prakash Kunte were present on the occasion.
The Pune leg will see some of the best Indian chess players competing for top honours, including:
1. GM Koneru Humpy: The current World Rapid Champion and Olympiad Gold Medalist.
2. GM Harika Dronavalli: A celebrated Olympiad Gold Medalist.
3. GM Vaishali R: Another Olympiad Gold Medalist representing India.
4. IM Divya Deshmukh: Olympiad Gold Medalist and World Junior Champion 2024
