Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded Grandmaster Koneru Humpy for winning the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess championship title.
“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 posted on X.
Humpy on Sunday pulled off a sensational turnaround in New York to be crowned FIDE Women’s World Rapid Champion, clinching her second title in this tournament. Humpy, who began the tournament with a loss, bounced back on Day 2 and eventually rose to the top on Day 3 from a crowded field at the top of the standings.
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… https://t.co/MVxUcZimCc pic.twitter.com/nndIak2OvI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 29, 2024
2024 has already been a sensational year in chess for India and Humpy added to the list of achievements by being crowned the World Rapid Champion in New York. She had previously won the title in 2019.
“I’m very happy and excited because this is my second world Rapid title. I also won in 2019,” Humpy said on FIDE’s live feed after her triumph. “In my career, whenever I’m on the lower side, thinking I’m dropping off, some miracle happens, and I come back. That gives me the motivation to compete further.”
Humpy, who won her title in 2019 after returning from a maternity break, thanked her family for the support. “It’s probably too late in India for people to be up, but my family will watch this. I want to thank my parents for their tremendous support and my husband. It’s not easy to be a professional in India after having a marriage and a kid. But he supported me a lot, and my parents took care of my daughter when I traveled. All these things helped me achieve this,” she said.
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