Koneru Humpy, born on March 31, 1987, in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India, is a chess prodigy who has carved her name in the annals of chess history. Known for her incredible achievements, she became the youngest woman ever to achieve the title of Grandmaster at the age of 15 years, 1 month, and 27 days. Humpy has been a trailblazer in Indian chess, earning accolades such as the Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion title twice, numerous gold medals in international championships, and prestigious awards like the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award.
Koneru Humpy Biography and Early Life
Koneru Humpy’s journey in chess began at an early age under the guidance of her father, Koneru Ashok. Her talent was evident when she started participating in local championships at the age of six. By the age of ten, she had won the National Under-10 Championship for girls and the World Under-10 Girls Chess Championship. Her meteoric rise continued as she clinched the World Junior Girls Championship in 2001 and became India’s youngest Woman Grandmaster.
Humpy’s dedication and determination saw her achieving the Grandmaster title in 2002, making her the youngest woman to do so at the time. In 2007, she became only the second female player after Judit Polgár to cross the 2600 Elo rating mark.
Koneru Humpy Family and Parents
Humpy was born to Koneru Ashok and Koneru Latha. Her father, a former chess player, played a pivotal role in shaping her career. Recognizing her talent early on, Ashok dedicated his time to coaching her exclusively.
Her name, originally “Hampi,” was later changed to “Humpy” by her father to give it a more international appeal. In 2014, she married Dasari Anvesh, and the couple has a daughter, Ahana, born in 2017. Humpy credits her family for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in her continued success.
Koneru Humpy Career and Awards
Humpy’s chess career is decorated with numerous achievements:
- Youth Championships: She won three gold medals at the World Youth Chess Championships in 1997 (Under-10), 1998 (Under-12), and 2000 (Under-14).
- Junior Championships: She clinched the World Junior Girls Championship in 2001 and finished as runner-up in 2002.
- Grandmaster Title: Humpy became the eighth woman to earn the Grandmaster title in 2002.
- International Competitions: She has represented India in the Women’s World Chess Championship multiple times, reaching the semifinals in 2004, 2008, and 2010.
- Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion: She won this prestigious title in 2019 and reclaimed it in 2024.
- Olympiad Success: Humpy has been part of the Indian women’s chess team, winning multiple medals, including gold at the 2020 FIDE Online Chess Olympiad and bronze at the 2022 Chess Olympiad.
- Awards: She has received the Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2007), and the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (2020).
Her resilience and tactical prowess have been key to her success, as exemplified by her comeback victory in the 2019 Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship after a two-year maternity break.
Koneru Humpy Net Worth
Koneru Humpy’s estimated net worth is between $200,000 and $500,000. Her earnings stem from tournament prizes, endorsements, and her role as an employee of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
A Table Summarizing Her Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Koneru Humpy |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1987 |
| Birthplace | Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Achievements | Youngest Woman Grandmaster (2002), Two-time Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion (2019, 2024) |
| Awards | Arjuna Award (2003), Padma Shri (2007), BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year (2020) |
| Family | Husband: Dasari Anvesh; Daughter: Ahana |
| Net Worth | $200,000 – $500,000 |
| Employer | ONGC |
Summary and Conclusion
Koneru Humpy’s journey from a prodigious young talent to a world champion is nothing short of inspiring. Her achievements have not only brought glory to Indian chess but have also paved the way for aspiring chess players, especially women, in India and beyond. With her unwavering dedication, strategic brilliance, and support from her family, Humpy has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest chess players of all time.
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. As she continues to compete on the world stage, Humpy remains a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of chess enthusiasts