In a year that will forever be etched in the annals of Indian chess history, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy provided the ultimate exclamation point by clinching her second FIDE World Rapid Championship title in New York. The 36-year-old chess icon navigated a star-studded field with precision and poise, culminating in a thrilling final-round victory over Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar to secure the coveted crown.
A Defining Moment for Humpy and Indian Chess
Humpy’s triumphant campaign at the 2024 World Rapid Championships serves as a resounding testament to her enduring brilliance and the meteoric rise of Indian chess on the global stage. This monumental achievement marks her fourth podium finish in the prestigious event, having previously secured the title in 2019, along with a runner-up finish in 2023 and a third-place result in 2012.
Humpy’s victory was a true masterclass in rapid chess. Her precise calculations, impeccable time management, and unwavering composure under pressure were a sight to behold.
– Viswanathan Anand, Indian Chess Legend
The magnitude of Humpy’s accomplishment becomes even more apparent when viewed through the lens of India’s unprecedented chess achievements in 2024. From the historic double gold at the Chess Olympiad to the crowning of 17-year-old prodigy D Gukesh as the youngest-ever World Champion, Indian chess has reached stratospheric heights this year.
Erigaisi’s Valiant Effort Falls Short of Candidates Spot
While Humpy basked in the glory of her second World Rapid title, young gun Arjun Erigaisi found himself tantalizingly close to securing a spot in the next Candidates Tournament. The 18-year-old, who has taken the chess world by storm with his rapid rise and scintillating performances, needed an outright victory or a tie-break win in New York to overtake Fabiano Caruana in the race for the Candidates.
Despite a valiant effort that saw him notch impressive wins over the likes of Abdusattorov and enter the final day as one of the co-leaders, Erigaisi had to settle for a fifth-place finish. While the Candidates spot may have eluded him this time, the Warangal wonder has unequivocally established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the global chess circuit.
Harika’s Stellar Run and Murzin’s Surprise Triumph
Humpy’s compatriot Harika Dronavalli also had a tournament to remember, finishing just half a point behind the champion as part of a six-way tie for second place. Harika’s consistency and tenacity throughout the event underscore the depth and quality of India’s women’s chess contingent.
In the open section, 18-year-old Russian sensation Volodar Murzin stunned the chess world with his remarkable run to the title. Murzin took down some of the sport’s biggest names en route to becoming the second youngest World Rapid Champion ever, behind only Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
A Year to Remember for Indian Chess
As the curtain falls on the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Championships, Indian chess enthusiasts have every reason to celebrate. Koneru Humpy’s second World Rapid title serves as a crowning moment in a year filled with historic achievements, while Arjun Erigaisi’s rise continues unabated, heralding a future brimming with promise and potential.
With the Chess Olympiad double gold, Gukesh’s World Championship triumph, and now Humpy’s rapid dominance, 2024 will forever be remembered as the year Indian chess ascended to unprecedented heights. As the nation’s chess stars continue to shine brighter than ever, the world watches in awe, wondering what incredible feats they will accomplish next.
