Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has done it again—clinching the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship title in spectacular fashion! This victory is more than just another feather in her cap—it reflects her grit, brilliance, and determination. The championship, held in New York, saw Humpy stage an extraordinary comeback to clinch the title, rounding off what can only be described as a historic year for Indian chess.

A Year to Remember for Indian Chess

Earlier this year, Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the chess world by defeating China's Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion. With Koneru Humpy now claiming the women’s rapid chess title, 2024 has become a landmark year for Indian chess on the global stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating this incredible feat, praised Koneru Humpy and said, “Her grit and brilliance continue to inspire millions. This victory is even more historic because it is her second world rapid championship title.”

Defying the Odds

Humpy’s journey to the top was far from smooth. She began the tournament with a disappointing first-round loss. However, her resilience shone through as she worked her way back up, culminating in a dramatic win against Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in the final round. She topped the leaderboard ahead of six competitors, including fellow Indian D Harika finishing with 8.5 points, .

“It was indeed a very happy moment for me because this is my second world title,” Humpy shared in an interview. “It’s a golden era for Indian chess, having two world champions in the same year. This will definitely motivate a lot of youngsters to pursue the sport professionally.”

Overcoming Personal Challenges

The victory was especially cathartic for Humpy, who admitted that 2024 had been a challenging year. She delivered subpar performances in major tournaments like Norway Chess and Tata Steel Chess. Humpy shared that 2024 had been a challenging year for her, during which she felt extremely low and even considered quitting professional chess. However, she decided against ending her career on a disappointing note and dedicated the entire month of November to intensive training for the championship.

Trailblazer and Role Model

Humpy’s achievements are a source of immense pride for India. In 2002, she made headlines as the youngest woman to achieve the Grandmaster title at just 15 years old, a record later broken by China’s Hou Yifan. Over the years, Humpy has continued to break barriers, becoming the first female Indian Grandmaster and earning accolades, including gold medals at the Olympiad, Asian Games, and Asian Championship.

Her historic second world rapid title also sets her apart as the only Indian woman to achieve this feat.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Humpy’s victory is not just a personal achievement but an inspiration for aspiring chess players. She remarked:

 “Winning for the second time is tougher, especially when competing with players half my age”

As Indian chess continues to flourish, the younger generation, including players like Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa, are stepping up to make their mark on the global stage.

Following her triumph, Humpy is set to compete in the World Blitz Championship starting December 30. With her eyes firmly on the future, she continues to inspire millions with her journey. As the world applauds Koneru Humpy’s achievement, it also celebrates India’s rising prominence in the chess world