Indian Grandmaster Humpy Koneru has once again etched her name in chess history by winning her second FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship, adding to her earlier victory in 2019.
The prestigious tournament, held in New York City from December 26 to 28, 2024, witnessed Koneru’s remarkable performance as she secured the title with an impressive 8½ points out of 11 rounds.
In a nail-biting final round, Koneru defeated Indonesia’s Irene Kharisma Sukandar, a victory that set her apart from her closest rivals by just half a point.
This stellar achievement not only cements her legacy but also reinforces India’s growing dominance on the global chess stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Koneru, praising her as a symbol of perseverance and a source of immense pride for the nation.
Meanwhile, in the Open Section, 18-year-old Russian Grandmaster Volodar Murzin claimed victory with an unbeaten score of 10 out of 13 points.
Koneru’s triumph shines brightly as yet another milestone in India’s illustrious chess journey.
