‘During competitions, thoughts of my daughter sometimes cross my mind, but maintaining focus is crucial. To avoid emotional distraction, I sometimes limit communication with her. It’s a difficult balance, but necessary to strive for world champion status and prove oneself at the highest level.’
Koneru Humpy, a multiple-time achiever, understands the sacrifices required, yet consistently pushes her boundaries. The current World Champion in women’s rapid chess, Humpy secured her second title in December 2024, following her first victory five years prior in 2019, just two years after her daughter Ahana was born. For Humpy, who became the youngest female Grandmaster at 15, relentless self-improvement is a way of life.
Balancing a stellar chess career, second only to Viswanathan Anand in India and potentially D Gukesh in classical chess, with motherhood, without letting either define her entirely, is part of her remarkable journey.
‘I believe women are inherently resilient,’ Humpy shared. ‘Women are particularly skilled at multitasking,’ a quality she feels is less pronounced in men.
She adds this with a smile, yet it reflects a common reality – the primary responsibility of raising children often falls on mothers, demanding significant multitasking alongside professional careers. Achieving two world championships amidst this? It requires immense determination.
Consider her World Championship victory in New York. ‘Entering the tournament, my goal was a top-three finish,’ she recalls. ‘Losing the first game was disheartening, but there was no time to dwell as the next match approached swiftly. Sleep was minimal. However, my resolve to perform well was strong… I simply aimed to play my best and compete fiercely. This mindset, I believe, contributed to my win.’
After finishing as runner-up at the 2024 Candidates Tournament, this win validated her persistent efforts. ‘The past year has been challenging in tournaments,’ she admits. ‘Moments of doubt crept in, questioning if it was time to retire. This victory has reignited my motivation… and reminded me of the ‘joy in the sport.’
At 37, Humpy has been competing for three decades, continually facing new challenges. Beyond typical athletic and societal expectations, she navigates personal physiological changes, emotional complexities, and the profound ‘mom guilt’.
She recounts missing her daughter’s birthday due to a flight cancellation after a tournament, an absence not easily forgotten. ‘I arrived past midnight, and she still remembers my absence… now, I prioritize being home for her birthdays.’
For Humpy, these are challenges to overcome. Her upbringing instilled in her the ability to manage life’s hurdles. ‘My parents taught me that menstruation shouldn’t be viewed as a weakness. If you perceive those days as difficult, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. But if you treat them as normal, despite any irregularities, you remain resilient and strong.’
‘As a child, these issues never bothered me. My first period occurred during an international tournament without my mother present, but she had already taught me about sanitary pads. I was only ten, traveling with my father, but I wasn’t afraid. I was mentally prepared, thanks to their upbringing.’
Family support is key. ‘I firmly believe family support is essential for women’s achievements; without it, it’s incredibly difficult. I often tell my husband that if we relied on a nanny, I might have had to stop my career. The comfort and confidence of having grandparents care for your child is invaluable.’
She continues to train with her father, who ‘trains with professional dedication, even on my days off,’ consistently increasing training intensity.
‘In your 30s, sharpness naturally declines,’ she observes. ‘As a teenager, reactions to positions are quicker and more tactical. Post-30s, there’s a tendency towards less precise calculation. This is an area where I sometimes struggle and need to focus on.’
Beyond technical training, ‘Maintaining physical fitness and prioritizing health is crucial, especially for women who may experience health issues post-childbirth. Health should be a priority.’
As one of India’s greatest athletes, Humpy shows no signs of stopping. Her story highlights the subtle yet significant challenges sportswomen face. Consider if Viswanathan Anand was ever questioned about childcare arrangements during tournaments. Such nuances underscore the additional, often unseen, obstacles sportswomen overcome to achieve success.
On International Women’s Day 2025, let’s celebrate these triumphs over barriers alongside the accomplishments themselves. And honor the extraordinary championship of Koneru Humpy.
Marcus Bellamy