Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy defeated Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar to clinch the historic second title at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York on Sunday.
She is now the second player after Ju Wenjun of China to win the title in the women’s section more than once.
The final round of the match was crucial since Humpy could only bag the title by winning it.
She had last won the title in 2019.
Humpy won the title just weeks after D Gukesh lifted the Chess World Championship in the classical format.
Gukesh became the second Indian player to win the prestigious title since Viswanathan Anand won it.
Humpy thanks family members for supporting her
Humpy thanked her family member for supporting her and credited them for the victory.
“I think it was possible because of the support from my family. My husband, and my parents, support me a lot. Especially my parents look after my daughter when I travel. It’s not easy to become a World Champion when you are 37,” she said.
“It’s quite difficult when you get older to keep that motivation and stay sharp when required. I’m glad that I made it,” the champion said.
Narendra Modi congratulates Humpy
Indian PM Narendra Modi appreciated her for the victory and said her grit and brilliance continue to inspire millions of people worldwide.
Modi wrote on X: “Congratulations to @humpy_koneru on winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship! Her grit and brilliance continues to inspire millions.”
“This victory is even more historic because it is her second world rapid championship title, thereby making her the only Indian to achieve this incredible feat,” he said.
