Chess in India has been on the rise for years now, but it wasn’t always like this. Grandmaster Koneru Humpy recently opened up about how, in the past, “no one cared about any chess player.” That’s a bold statement from one of India’s finest, and it shines a light on the struggles chess players faced before the current wave of popularity. So, let’s see what she said.
Koneru Humpy Talks About Early Struggles
Koneru Humpy is not just a legendary figure in Indian chess; she’s also a strong voice for the new generation of players. One of the players she supports is none other than D Gukesh, the young grandmaster who has been making huge waves internationally. Humpy’s backing of Gukesh shows how much respect and hope she has for chess players who are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
Remember those days when chess players would hardly get any media attention or fan support in India? Humpy admitted that it was tough. Players worked hard but remained unnoticed, their achievements overshadowed. But things are changing, and players like Gukesh have started to break through these barriers. They are now celebrated, cheered for, and followed like cricket or badminton stars, which is a massive shift for Indian chess.
She said, “I think we should take [the extra expectations] in a positive way because, nowadays, whatever today’s chess players are achieving, is being acknowledged by everyone, right from corporate houses to ministers. We didn’t have this culture around 10 years ago. Nobody bothered about what players have achieved. So, in that way, it’s a positive thing that chess is getting that attention and the hard work of players is being recognised.”
Koneru Humpy Backs Gukesh
Gukesh D, often called the “wonder boy” of chess, has amazed the world with his incredible skill at such a young age. Koneru Humpy’s support for him is not just about celebrating his talent but also about showing solidarity with all chess players who struggled for years to get acknowledgement. With Gukesh’s rise, she sees hope that the world will pay attention to chess players’ achievements now and in the future.
Read More
” For Gukesh, he is still very young, just 19, so he’s growing as a player and as a person. Though there will be criticism [if he fails] after becoming world champion because of his performances, but for his age, it’s normal to have those ups and downs. As you keep learning and gaining experience, you’ll be more stabilised. But the way he’s handling that [attention] is impressive. He’s showing maturity beyond his age,” KoneruHumpy told mid-day during a telephonic interaction recently.
So, whether you’re a chess fan or new to the sport, keep an eye on Gukesh D and the incredible talent coming from India. It’s a thrilling time for chess, and Koneru Humpy’s support tells us the best is yet to come.
Also read: FIDE World Cup 2025: Vidit Gujrathi Held To Draw By 12-Year-Old Faustino Oro
