Chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.© X/@humpy_koneru
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called grandmaster Koneru Humpy “a sporting icon” after she met him following her recent victory in the FIDE Women's World Rapid Chess Championship in New York. With her family in tow, Humpy met the Prime Minister and described it as a 'once in a lifetime privilege'. Modi tweeted after the meeting: “Happy to have met Koneru Humpy and her family. She is a sporting icon and a source of inspiration to aspiring players. Her sharp intellect and unwavering determination are clearly visible. She not only has immense pride in India has also redefined what excellence is.” Humpy capped a wonderful year for Indian chess by defeating Irene Sukandar of Indonesia to become champion in the prestigious tournament in New York on Sunday.
“It was an incredible honor and a unique privilege to meet our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji, along with my family. The experience was truly unforgettable, filled with inspiration and encouragement. Thank you sir, remarkable moment for this!” Humpy wrote on 'X'.
I'm glad I met Koneru Humpy and her family. She is a sports icon and an inspiration to aspiring players. Her sharp intellect and unwavering determination are clearly visible. She has not only brought immense pride to India but has also redefined what excellence is. https://t.co/4H4sFrmq5E
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2025
Humpy had won the event in Georgia in 2019 and India's No. 1 is only the second player after China's Ju Wenjun to win the title more than once.
Humpy's achievement capped a sensational year for the chess fraternity after D Gukesh defeated China's Ding Liren to recently become champion in the Classical World Championship in Singapore.
In September, India had also won its first-ever gold medals in the Open and Women's categories at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
The Indian, who started the tournament in New York with a first-round defeat, was the only winner in the eleventh and final round, leaving her at the top of the tables with 8.5 points, half a point ahead of six others, including compatriot D Harika.
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