Divya Deshmukh to make Global Chess League debut with defending champions Alpine Pipers

Divya Deshmukh. File photo: Special arrangement. Divya Deshmukh, the women’s World Cup winner, is looking forward to her maiden Global Chess League. She will play for Alpine Pipers in the fourth edition of the GCL, beginning in Bengaluru on September 5.Her teammates include the World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi.“It’s my debut, so I’m definitely very excited,” Divya said.“It’s not like any other chess tournament. There’s going to be a lot of audience for this one, which is really nice. Playing in India is always fun.”Divya is also keen to explore GCL’s format. “I can’t say anything about the format now. This is going to be my first event in Bengaluru. I have only been to the Bengaluru airport before.”The GCL, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and the global chess governing body FIDE, will be held at Lalit Ashok and conclude on September 13. Published - August 28, 2026 05:46 am IST