Koneru Humpy, born on March 31, 1987, in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent Indian chess grandmaster known for her remarkable achievements in the field of chess.
Koneru Humpy has achieved remarkable success throughout her career, including becoming the youngest woman grandmaster in the history of chess at the age of 15. Humpy’s exceptional skill and strategic thinking have earned her multiple victories in prestigious tournaments around the world.
Her dedication to the game and relentless pursuit of excellence have solidified her reputation as one of the strongest female chess players in the world. With her remarkable achievements and relentless passion for the game, Koneru Humpy continues to inspire aspiring chess players globally.
Koneru Humpy Biography: Early Life and Education
Given the name “Hampi” by her parents, her name was later altered to Humpy to have a Russian sounding resonance. At the age of five, she was introduced to the game of chess by her father, Koneru Ashok, who was not only a chess enthusiast but also a chemistry lecturer.
Recognizing her talent, her father made the decision to leave his job in order to dedicate himself full-time to her training. As a result of her chess commitments, Humpy did not pursue formal education beyond 10th grade, although she did attempt distance learning at a later stage, finding it difficult to manage alongside her chess career.
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Age
Koneru Humpy is currently 37 years old, having been born on March 31, 1987.
Family/Parents
Koneru Humpy’s family includes her father, Koneru Ashok, a chess coach, and her mother, Koneru Latha.
Husband and Children
Koneru Humpy married Dasari Anvesh in 2014, and they have a daughter named Ahana born in 2017. Following her daughter’s birth, she took a two-year break from competitive chess but returned with notable success, including winning the 2020 Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship.
Chess Career
Koneru Humpy became the world’s youngest female Grandmaster at the age of 15 years, 1 month, and 27 days in 2002, surpassing Judit Polgár’s record. This record was later broken by Hou Yifan in 2008. Humpy has won multiple championships, including three gold medals at the World Youth Chess Championship (1997, 1998, and 2000 in the under-10, under-12, and under-14 girls’ divisions respectively), the World Junior Girls Championship in 2001, and the British Women’s Championship in 2000 and 2002.
She also won the Asian Women’s Individual Championship in 2003 and the Indian Women’s Championship the same year.
Achievements
Koneru Humpy was the second female player after Judit Polgár to exceed the 2600 Elo rating mark in 2007. She has been a runner-up in several FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series and competed in numerous Women’s World Chess Championships, reaching the semifinals multiple times. She secured the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship title in 2019 and again in 2024, and has won medals in the World Blitz Championships as well. She also contributed significantly to the Indian team, winning medals at the Olympiad and Asian Games.
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Legacy and Impact
Koneru Humpy’s career has inspired many in India and around the world, particularly young female chess players. Her achievements have also brought her several awards like the Arjuna Award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2007 from the Indian government.
Net Worth
Koneru Humpy’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This estimation comes from her successful career as a chess player, including earnings from tournaments, endorsements, and other related activities.
Lessor Known Facts about Koneru Humpy
- Name Origin: Her parents originally named her “Hampi,” derived from the word “champion.” Later, her father changed it to “Humpy” to sound more Russian, reflecting the influence of chess culture at the time.
- Early Recognition: At the age of six, Humpy suggested a chess move to her father while he was studying a game from the “Chess Informant,” which led him to recognize her talent and begin coaching her.
- First Major Success: Koneru Humpy won the Vijayawada city and Krishna district under-eight championships in 1993, marking her first steps in competitive chess.
- Balancing Family and Chess: After giving birth to her daughter Ahana in 2017, Humpy took a two-year maternity break from chess. Her return was marked by winning the Skolkovo Women’s Grand Prix, the World Rapid Championship in 2019, and the Cairns Cup in 2020, showcasing her ability to balance motherhood with professional chess.
- Environmental Impact: Koneru Humpy has been noted for her preference for avoiding social media to maintain focus on chess and personal life, which helps in managing distractions and maintaining mental clarity.
- Literature: An entire chapter in the Telangana State School English textbook is dedicated to her life and achievements, making her a subject of study for young students.
- Support System: Her father, Koneru Ashok, not only served as her first coach but also played a crucial role in her career by giving up his job to train her full-time, highlighting the family’s dedication to her chess career.
- Comeback Story: After her maternity break, there was speculation about her retirement, but she made a significant comeback, illustrating her resilience and commitment to the sport.
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Social Media Links
Koneru Humpy is active on social media, where she shares updates about her chess career and personal life. Here are her official social media links:
- Instagram: @koneruhumpy – She has around 9,797 followers and shares photos and videos related to her achievements.
- Twitter (X): @koneruhumpy – Humpy uses this platform to communicate with fans and share insights about her life beyond chess.
FAQs about Koneru Humpy
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When was Koneru Humpy born?
She was born on March 31, 1987.
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Where is Koneru Humpy from?
She hails from Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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What is Koneru Humpy known for?
She is known for being one of the top women chess players in the world, having achieved the title of Grandmaster at the age of 15, which made her the youngest female GM at the time.
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Has she received any notable awards?
Yes, she has been awarded the Arjuna Award in 2004 and the Padma Shri in 2007 by the Indian government.
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Did Koneru Humpy take a break from chess?
Yes, she took a two-year maternity break after the birth of her daughter Ahana in 2017.
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Is Koneru Humpy still active in chess?
Yes, she has made a strong comeback after her break and continues to compete at high levels in international chess tournaments.
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What’s her highest chess rating?
Humpy became the second woman after Judit Polgár to exceed the 2600 Elo rating mark in 2007.
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What influence has she had on chess in India?
Koneru Humpy has been a significant figure in popularizing chess, especially among young girls in India, serving as an inspiration and demonstrating that women can excel in the sport.
Her story is one of dedication, overcoming challenges, and resilience, making her a significant figure in the world of chess.