Early Years and Hardships: Dorsa started playing chess competitively at the age of 6. Despite the challenges faced by female athletes in Iran, she quickly rose through the ranks. Her early years were marked by rigorous training and participation in numerous national and international tournaments. One of her significant hardships was balancing her education with her demanding chess schedule.
Career Timeline and Successes:
- 2009: Won the Asian Youth Chess Championship in the under-12 girls’ category.
- 2011: Achieved the Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title.
- 2012: Won the Iranian Women’s National Chess Championship.
- 2014: Awarded the Woman International Master (WIM) title.
- 2016: Secured the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title, one of the highest titles in women’s chess.
- 2017: Faced a significant turning point in her career when she was banned from the Iranian national team for not wearing a hijab at an international tournament in Gibraltar. This incident brought international attention to her and highlighted the restrictive conditions faced by female athletes in Iran.
- 2017: Moved to the United States to continue her education and chess career. She received a scholarship to Saint Louis University, known for its strong chess program.
- 2018: Joined the United States Chess Federation (USCF) and started competing for the US.
- 2020: Earned the title of International Master (IM), a significant achievement in the chess world, indicating her skill and dedication.
Rise to Stardom:
Dorsa’s transition to the US marked the beginning of her rise to stardom. Her story of resilience and perseverance resonated with many, and she became a symbol of empowerment for women in sports. She continues to inspire young chess players worldwide with her dedication and success.
Real Name: Dorsa Derakhshani
Date of Birth: April 15, 1998
Birth Place: Tehran, Iran
Residence: United States
Nationality: Iranian-American
Profession: Chess Player, Student
Religion: Raised in a Muslim family, but personal beliefs are private
Partner: Not publicly known
Father: Hamid Derakhshani
Mother: Name not publicly known
Horoscope: Aries
Age: 26 (as of 2024)
Weight: Approximately 55 kg (121 lbs)
Height: 165 cm (5’5″)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black