Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy has recently addressed criticisms surrounding India's rising dominance in the chess world, particularly those from figures like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. In a recent interview, Humpy emphasized that India's consistent performances and high rankings serve as undeniable proof of the nation's ascent in the sport.

Humpy's remarks come at a time when India has been making significant strides in chess. D Gukesh's World Championship title, Divya Deshmukh's FIDE World Cup victory, and India's two gold medals at the Chess Olympiad are just a few examples of the country's recent achievements. These accomplishments have propelled India to the forefront of the chess world, challenging the traditional dominance of countries like Russia and the United States.

Despite these successes, some critics, including Magnus Carlsen, have questioned India's position in the chess world. Carlsen, a former world champion himself, has often downplayed India's achievements, suggesting that the country's success may be overstated. Fabiano Caruana, another prominent figure in the chess world, has also echoed similar sentiments.

Humpy, however, remains unfazed by these criticisms. She firmly believes that India's performances speak for themselves and that the country's top players deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication. "Victory is a victory," she stated in the interview. "Of course, there will always be criticism irrespective of whatever matters, but at the end of the day, it's a gold medal, and it's a world title. It's a victory for the country".

Humpy further emphasized that India's strong presence in the world rankings is a clear indication of its leading position in chess. "If we see it in the men's circuit, we have all our top players in the world rankings. So that clearly says that we are leading," she asserted.

Koneru Humpy's own journey in chess has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in 1987, she was introduced to the game at a young age by her father, who recognized her talent and dedicated himself to coaching her. Humpy quickly rose through the ranks, achieving the title of Grandmaster at the age of 15, becoming the youngest female player to do so at the time. She has consistently ranked among the top female chess players in the world. In December 2024, Humpy won her second World Rapid Championship.

Humpy also shared her personal struggles balancing motherhood and elite competition, including the sacrifices she makes to compete at the highest level. She acknowledged the challenges of juggling multiple roles but expressed her determination to maintain her focus and continue to perform well. She also mentioned that her daughter is aware of her achievements and recognizes whether she is doing well or not.

Humpy's achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring chess players in India and around the world. Her success, along with the accomplishments of other Indian chess stars, has fueled the growth of chess in India and has solidified the country's position as a major force in the global chess arena.