Lela Javakhishvili from Georgia has withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix India due to personal reasons. She will be replaced by fellow Georgian International Master Salome Melia, who will now participate in this fifth stage of the prestigious series.
Salome Melia, originally from Batumi, Georgia, boasts an impressive chess career. She is a two-time winner of the European Under-18 Girls Championship, securing titles in both 2004 and 2005. Her achievements also include silver and bronze medals at the Women’s European Individual Chess Championship in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Melia is a two-time Georgian Women’s Champion, having won in 2008 and 2010. She has proudly represented Georgia in numerous Chess Olympiads, including the 45th edition held in Budapest. Furthermore, she was a key member of the Georgian team that won gold at the 2015 Women’s World Team Chess Championship in Chengdu.
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024–25 fifth stage is scheduled to take place in India from April 13th to 24th. Salome Melia will take Lela Javakhishvili’s place in the competition. The pairings for the tournament are available below:
FIDE Women’s Grand Prix India 2025 Pairings (PDF)
Georgian women players and friends at the 2018 ‘Lela and Bela Cup’
