In a landmark moment that will be etched in Indian chess history, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy achieved the extraordinary—becoming the first Indian woman ever to qualify for the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025.
On Sunday, the 38-year-old chess legend secured her historic semifinal berth with a solid draw against China’s Yuxin Song in the second classical game of their quarterfinal match in Batumi, Georgia. Her sharp counterattacking play neutralized Song’s London System, as she willingly sacrificed material to seize control of the center. After a tense battle lasting 53 moves, the game culminated in a balanced rook-and-pawn endgame, and the draw sealed Humpy’s victory. The recognition has been immediate and overwhelming. The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have congratulated her for her win.
Trailblazer’s Chess Journey
Born in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, Humpy was introduced to chess by her father, Koneru Ashok, who recognized her talent at the age of six. At that young age, she began winning district- and state-level chess championships. By the age of 10, she had claimed her first national as well as international chess titles.
In 2000, at only 13 years of age, Humpy became the youngest to win the British Ladies Championship. Her accomplishment broke the 61-year record held by Woman International Master (WIM) Elaine Pritchard. And then, two years later, Humpy repeated the feat as a 15-year-old to win her second women’s British title. From there, a long list of achievements followed. The most recent being her win of the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship 2024, which she secured for the second time.
Awards to Her Name
In 1999, she became Asia’s youngest Woman International Master (WIM), and in 2001, she became India’s youngest Woman Grandmaster (WGM). In 2003, she was awarded the Arjuna Award, followed by the Padma Shri in 2007. In 2021, she was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year, among many other accolades recognizing her remarkable achievements.
The Significance of Today’s Event
Humpy’s historic qualification for the FIDE Women’s World Cup semifinals is not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone in India’s chess narrative. The FIDE World Cup, known for its grueling knockout format and rapid tiebreaks, demands exceptional skill and endurance. Her entry into the top four has earned admiration from analysts worldwide and underscores India’s emergence as a global chess powerhouse.
This achievement breaks longstanding gender and regional barriers, proving that Indian women can excel on the world’s biggest chess stages. Humpy’s success reflects India’s growing presence in global mind sports and highlights the country’s investment in gender-inclusive talent development. As India promotes initiatives like “Nari Shakti” and “Chess in Schools,” Humpy’s accomplishment stands as a symbol of this national vision. Her journey will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Indian girls to pursue chess not just as a pastime, but as a serious career path.
What Lies Ahead
Humpy stands just two wins away from the prestigious World Cup title, which would add another historic achievement to her already legendary career. The player who reaches the final will face the reigning world champion from China, Ju Wenjun.
FIDE’s World Cup 2025 to be hosted in India
The recent developments in chess underscore India’s status as a global chess hub, making it a fitting venue for major international events. India is set to host the FIDE World Cup from October 30 to November 27, 2025.
Expressing his excitement, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky stated: “We are thrilled to bring the FIDE World Cup 2025 to India, a country with a deep-rooted passion for and support of chess. The enthusiasm of Indian chess fans has always been remarkable.”
