Divya Deshmukh, 18, highlights sexism in chess, stating, "I've faced much hatred; women are taken for granted.

^{Images Source: Jurriaan Hoefsmit} 

Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh has spoken out against the prevalent sexism in the sport, particularly highlighting the treatment of women in chess, following her participation in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee.

Competing in the Challengers section of the prestigious tournament, the 18-year-old International Master, boasting a standard rating of 2420, secured the 12th position with a score of 4.5 out of 13. Noteworthy players such as Hans Niemann and Harika Dronavalli were also part of the competitive field.

After the tournament's conclusion, Deshmukh expressed her disappointment in a social media post regarding the way female players are perceived by fans. She revealed instances where spectators focused on irrelevant aspects such as her clothing, hair, and accent, rather than appreciating her chess skills. Deshmukh lamented the fact that discussions about her games were overshadowed by commentary on superficial aspects during interviews.

In her post, the young chess star pointed out the double standards, emphasizing that male players often receive fewer personal judgments in interviews, with more focus on their game and overall performance. Deshmukh expressed her frustration at the underappreciation of women in chess, highlighting the constant scrutiny and negativity that they face for trivial matters. She stressed the need for women to receive equal respect in the chess community, urging a shift in the way female players are perceived and evaluated.