From Chandrababu Naidu To Kiren Rijiju, Leaders Congratulate Koneru Humpy After World Rapid Championship Win

December 29, 2024: Koneru Humpy’s victory at the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship has garnered widespread praise from across India. The Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh, and former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have all congratulated her for her remarkable achievement, recognizing her as not only a champion but also an inspiration to millions.

Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, expressed immense pride in Humpy’s win, calling it a moment of national celebration. He highlighted her resilience and excellence in the field of chess, stating, “India’s chess brilliance shines brighter than ever!” Rijiju emphasized the impact of her victory beyond just a personal achievement, pointing out that Humpy serves as a beacon of inspiration for the nation’s citizens.

Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, shared his excitement on social media, noting that Humpy’s victory capped off a remarkable year for Indian chess. He described it as a proud moment for the country and celebrated her as an icon of Indian chess.

Nara Lokesh, another prominent Andhra politician, called Humpy an “Indian chess legend,” praising her determination and skill. He wished her many more triumphs and recognized her ability to inspire future generations.

Former Andhra CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his congratulations, expressing admiration for Humpy’s determination and excellence. He extended his best wishes for her future endeavors, reinforcing the pride the state and the country feel for her achievement.

Humpy’s victory in New York was hard-earned. She finished with a score of 8.5/11, clinching the title after defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in the final round. This victory marked her second World Rapid title, having previously won in 2019. She became only the second player, after China’s Ju Wenjun, to win multiple Women’s World Rapid Championships. Her triumph also marked the culmination of a year of strong performances, including a second-place finish at the 2023 edition of the World Rapid Championship.

Her journey to the title was particularly thrilling as she entered the final round tied for the lead with fellow Indian Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli. While Harika drew her final game against China’s Tan Zhongyi, Humpy delivered a spectacular performance to secure the victory.

This victory serves as another milestone in Humpy’s illustrious career, reaffirming her status as one of the most prominent figures in global chess and a source of immense pride for India.