In a stunning display of strategy and skill, Koneru Humpy defeats top contenders to win the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2024 in New York, marking a remarkable comeback year.
BY PC Bureau
Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy triumphed at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2024 in Wall Street, New York, on Sunday. Defeating Indonesia’s Irine Kharisma Sukandar in the final round, Humpy secured her second World Rapid title, having previously claimed the crown in Moscow in 2019.
This victory marks a remarkable comeback for Humpy, who missed the historic double gold-winning Indian team at the Budapest Olympiad due to personal reasons.
👏 Congratulations to 🇮🇳 Humpy Koneru, the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Champion! 🏆#RapidBlitz #WomenInChess pic.twitter.com/CCg3nrtZAV
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 28, 2024
Entering the final round, Humpy was locked in a six-way tie for the lead with Ju Wenjun, Kateryna Lagno, Harika Dronavalli, Afruza Khamdamova, Tan Zhongyi, and Irine Sukandar. While top board encounters ended in draws, Humpy’s decisive win over Sukandar sealed her championship.
KONERU HUMPY IS THE WOMEN'S WORLD RAPID CHESS CHAMPION 🏆!!!🔥🔥🔥
This is her 2nd Title. Earlier she had won the Women's World Rapid Championships in 2019.#Chess pic.twitter.com/eYd0y7tMNj
— Rambo (@monster_zero123) December 29, 2024
A Career of Excellence
Introduced to chess by her father, Koneru Ashok, Humpy’s chess journey began early, marked by numerous national and international successes.
- Early Dominance: At 15 years, 1 month, and 27 days, she became the youngest woman to achieve the Grandmaster title, a record subsequently broken.
- Consistent Excellence: Her accolades include the 2006 Junior Girls’ World Chess Championship, the 2019 Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship, and a crucial role in India’s gold-medal victory at the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad in 2020.
Renowned for her strategic acumen and exceptional endgame skills, Humpy continues to be a dominant force in global chess, inspiring aspiring players worldwide.
Honors and Recognition
Humpy’s contributions to chess have been widely recognized:
- Arjuna Award (2003): Acknowledging her outstanding achievements in chess.
- Padma Shri (2007): One of India’s highest civilian honors.
- BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (2020): For her exceptional contributions to the sport.
Humpy’s victory in New York solidifies her position as a global chess icon and a trailblazer for Indian chess. She has inspired countless young chess players, especially women, in India and around the world. Her journey exemplifies dedication, resilience, and excellence, making her one of the most celebrated figures in Indian chess.
