Prime Minister Narendra Modi Calls Koneru Humpy “A Sporting Icon” After Assembly With Chess Ace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday referred to as Grandmaster Koneru Humpy “a sporting icon” after she met him following her current triumph within the FIDE Ladies’s World Speedy Chess Championship in New York. Along with her household in tow, Humpy met the PM and described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime privilege.” Modi tweeted after the assembly, “Glad to have met Koneru Humpy and her household. She is a sporting icon and a supply of inspiration for aspiring gamers. Her sharp mind and unwavering dedication are clearly seen. She has not solely introduced immense satisfaction to India however has additionally redefined what excellence is.” Humpy capped a beautiful yr for Indian chess by defeating Irene Sukandar of Indonesia to emerge champion within the prestigious event in New York on Sunday.

“It was an unbelievable honor and a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to fulfill our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji, alongside my household. The expertise was really unforgettable full of inspiration and encouragement. Thanks, sir, for this outstanding second!” Humpy wrote on ‘X’.

Glad to have met Koneru Humpy and her household. She is a sporting icon and a supply of inspiration for aspiring gamers. Her sharp mind and unwavering dedication are clearly seen. She has not solely introduced immense satisfaction to India however has additionally redefined what excellence is. https://t.co/4H4sFrmq5E

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2025

Humpy had gained the occasion again in 2019 at Georgia and the Indian No. 1 is barely the second participant after China’s Ju Wenjun to clinch the title greater than as soon as.

Humpy’s achievement laced a sensational yr for the chess fraternity after D Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren to emerge champion within the classical format World Championship not too long ago in Singapore.

In September, India had additionally gained its first-ever gold medals in Open and Ladies’s classes within the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

The Indian, who began the event in New York with a first-round defeat, was the lone winner within the eleventh and ultimate spherical, serving to her to prime the tables with 8.5 factors, half a degree away from six others together with compatriot D Harika.

(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)