Kerala’s 10-year-old chess sensation Divi Bijesh has added another international crown to her name, winning the Asian Youth Rapid Chess Championship 2025 in Thailand. The Thiruvananthapuram native secured 6 points from seven rounds in the Under-10 Girls category, underscoring her growing dominance on the global chess circuit.

What makes this latest win significant?

The Asian Youth Rapid title is Divi’s second major championship in just a week. She had earlier claimed the Under-12 Girls crown at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025, further demonstrating her consistency across formats and age groups.

How exceptional has 2025 been for her?

The year has been extraordinary for Divi. She became the World Cup U-10 Girls Champion, World Cadet Rapid Champion, World Cadet Blitz Vice Champion, and World Schools Chess Vice Champion. Her rapid rise has made her one of India’s most promising young talents.

Who is this rising star from Kerala?

With more than 75 medals already, Divi is Kerala’s youngest Woman Candidate Master (WCM) and the first Indian to be crowned U-10 Girls World Cup Champion. She studies in the fifth grade at Alan Feldman Public School in Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram — balancing academics with a fast-progressing chess career.