Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Koneru Humpy on her remarkable achievement of winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship for a second time, highlighting her as ‘the only Indian to accomplish this extraordinary feat.’
“Congratulations to Koneru Humpy on winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship! Her determination and brilliance continue to motivate millions,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“This victory holds historical significance as it marks her second world rapid championship title, making her the only Indian to achieve such a distinction,” he stated.
Koneru Humpy, India’s top-rated female chess player, finished the tournament with an impressive score of 8.5/11. She previously claimed her first gold medal in the 2019 championship held in Moscow.
In the lead-up to the final round, Koneru was among seven players tied at the top. However, she distinguished herself by being the only player to secure a victory in that round. Competing with the black pieces, she skillfully defeated Indonesia’s International Master Irine Kharisma Sukandar in a challenging endgame, thereby clinching the title.
“It isn’t easy to become a world champion at the age of 37. It’s particularly challenging to maintain motivation and sharpness as one ages. I’m thrilled to have succeeded,” Koneru remarked after her victory.
“I am overjoyed to have won for a second time. Honestly, I didn’t expect to win because I lost my first game, and I never envisioned finishing the tournament as the champion. This victory is truly special. When I faced adversity, it motivated me to fight and continue improving my chess skills,” she added.
Koneru’s victory further enhances the impressive success story of Indian chess in 2024, which also saw India winning gold in both the Open and Women’s sections of the Chess Olympiad this summer, along with D Gukesh capturing the title of World Champion in classical chess.
“It’s an exciting time for India – we have Gukesh as the World Champion and now I have secured my second world title in the Rapid event,” Koneru noted.
With her score of 8.5 points, Koneru claimed first place, finishing half a point ahead of six players tied for second: Ju Wenjun, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Harika Dronavalli, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Afruza Khamdamova.
Her accomplishment rounds off an extraordinary year for Indian chess, following D Gukesh’s recent victory over China’s Ding Liren to win the classical format World Championship in Singapore.