Latest Current Affairs: Grand Master Koneru Humpy

Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur extends congratulations to Grand Master Koneru Humpy for securing the silver medal at the World Women Rapid Championships 2023.

Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur praised Grand Master Koneru Humpy for winning the silver medal at the World Women Rapid Championships 2023 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Thakur described her as a queen on the chessboard, highlighting her strategic skills. He commended her journey, emphasizing resilience and brilliance. Thakur acknowledged Koneru Humpy’s significant role in shaping the chess scene in Indian sports, noting that her moves go beyond the board, inspiring chess enthusiasts and the entire nation. Koneru Humpy, who previously won a bronze medal in 2012 and became the world champion in 2019, was lauded for her achievements.

The ongoing World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2023 in Samarkand witnessed IM Anastasia Bodnaruk winning the women’s title in a tense blitz playoff against GM Koneru Humpy. In the open section, GM Magnus Carlsen secured the world rapid chess crown for a record fifth time, while Indian GM Vidit Gujrathi finished in fourth place. The Blitz event is set to begin this afternoon.

Key Points about Koneru Humpy:

Achievements:

• FIDE Women’s Rapid Chess Championship winner in 2019.
• Became the youngest female Grandmaster at 15 years, breaking Judit Polgár’s record.
• Surpassed the 2600 Elo rating mark in 2007.
• Won three gold medals at the World Youth Chess Championship.

Championships and Tournaments:

• Won the British Women’s Championship in 2000 and 2002.
• Victorious in the 10th Asian Women’s Individual Championship and the Indian Women’s Championship in 2003.
• Secured the North Urals Cup in 2005, competing against top female players.
• Regular participant in Women’s World Chess Championship, reaching semifinals in 2004, 2008, and 2010.

FIDE Women’s Grand Prix:

• Finished overall second in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2009–2011.
• Runner-up in the 2011–12, 2013–14, 2015–16, and 2019–21 editions.

International Recognition:

• Individual bronze at the Women’s World Team Chess Championship in 2015.
• Awarded BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year in 2020.

Return to Chess:

• Became the women’s World Rapid champion in 2019 after a two-year maternity break.
• Represented India at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, contributing to the women’s team’s bronze medal.

Personal Life:

• Originally named “Hampi” by her parents, later changed to Humpy.
• Married Dasari Anvesh in August 2014.
• Gave birth to a daughter named Ahana in 2017.
• Works with ONGC Ltd.

Recognition and Awards:

• Received the Padma Shri from President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2007.
• Active participant in national and international chess events, earning recognition and accolades for her contributions to the sport.