Overview

• FIDE granted her a wildcard to the Open section of the Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 3 to 15, and she announced the news on Instagram.
• Though already qualified for the Women’s Candidates and a newly titled Grandmaster after her World Cup victory, Deshmukh opted for the Open event to gain experience against elite opposition.
• She will face a stacked field led by top Indian grandmasters such as Arjun Erigaisi and world champion D Gukesh, alongside rising stars R Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin.
• Coaches and commentators have hailed her decision as a pragmatic step toward her goal of reaching 2700 by exposing her to stronger competition.
• Her entry follows precedents set by Aleksandra Goryachkina and Judit Polgár and underscores evolving conversations about women competing in mixed tournaments.