In a recent Instagram post, 18-year-old Indian chess player Divya Deshmukh opened up about the sexist comments she receives online, sparking an important discussion about gender bias in the sport. Deshmukh, an International Master, expressed her frustration that her appearance is often the focus of attention, rather than her gameplay skills. Her post gained widespread support from the chess community, with even the world’s first woman grandmaster, Susan Polgar, joining in.
Sexism is still a widely under-discussed issue in chess, which stands as the only mainstream sport where men and women often compete against each other. Deshmukh’s post has ignited a crucial conversation on the behavior of fans and male players towards women in the chess community. Many female players have faced hateful comments related to their appearance, clothing, and speech, which has a detrimental impact on their confidence. The rise of online tournaments and livestreaming has led to an increase in misogynistic comments from predominantly male audiences, leaving women players disproportionately vulnerable.
The lack of gender balance in chess is evident, with women making up only 10% of licensed players globally, and this gap widens at the top level. The stereotypes surrounding the sport, such as the misconception that men are inherently better at chess due to being “wired differently,” contribute to the limited access, opportunities, and support available for women and girls. A study conducted by New York University found that parents and mentors, the majority of whom were men, believed that girls have lower potential in chess and were more likely to quit due to perceived lack of ability.
The consequences of these biases extend beyond the playing field. Female players, both current and aspiring, face discrimination in coaching and mentoring opportunities. Confidence in a woman’s chess-playing ability is lacking, with parents preferring male coaches for their children, perpetuating the belief that male players are more talented. The culture of online trolling and offline dismissiveness contributes to the undermining of women players and tournaments. Female players often have to work twice as hard to earn respect and constantly face sexist judgments. Many resort to toning down their appearance to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Susan Polgar, a renowned chess player, shared her own experiences of sexual harassment and assault during her early years in chess. The one-on-one nature of the game creates a fertile space for predatory behavior, as players are in close proximity to their opponents. However, Koneru Humpy, one of India’s top chess players, who began her career in the 1990s, acknowledges that there has been progress in terms of equality. Humpy recalls being the only female player in open tournaments, which are more challenging than women’s-only tournaments, as the players are more skilled overall. She believes that today’s male players are different and regularly train and compete against their female peers.
To address the power imbalance in chess, it is crucial to remove socio-cultural barriers that hinder women’s participation at the entry level. By increasing the number of female players, there will be a greater representation of women in the top levels of the sport, challenging prevailing perceptions. Additionally, organizing more women-only tournaments can encourage women to participate actively and claim their space in the chess community.
Deshmukh’s bold confrontation of sexism in chess has shed light on an issue that often goes unaddressed. It is essential for the chess community to reflect on and challenge their behavior towards women players, creating a safe and equal sporting environment that promotes the skills and accomplishments of all players, regardless of their gender. By fostering inclusivity and breaking down gender biases, we can ensure a more equitable future for women in chess.
