In a proud moment for Indian chess, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Grandmaster Koneru Humpy on January 3, 2025, after her triumphant victory at the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship in New York.
Hailing her as a “sporting icon” and a symbol of inspiration, PM Modi applauded Humpy’s sharp intellect and relentless determination.
Accompanied by her family, Humpy expressed deep gratitude, calling the meeting an “incredible honor and a once-in-a-lifetime privilege.”
This victory marks Humpy’s second Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship title, her first win being in 2019 in Georgia. She joins China’s Ju Wenjun as the only players to secure this prestigious title twice.
Humpy’s success caps off a phenomenal year for Indian chess, following D Gukesh’s World Championship win in classical chess and India’s historic gold medals in both Open and Women’s categories at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
