Chess Grandmaster! - Interview Done in March, 2009
Humpy Koneru (born 31 March 1987 in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh) is a chess grandmaster from India. Her October 2007 FIDE Elo rating was 2606, placing her at number two in the world for women (behind Judit Polgar), breaking the record of 2577 set by Susan Polgar for the second-highest ranked female player in Chess history and becoming the second female player ever, after Judit Polgar, to cross the 2600 elo mark.
Humpy was originally named Hampi (after the ancient city) by her parents but her father later changed it to Humpy, a more Russian-sounding name. She writes her family name (Koneru) before her given name as is the convention with Telugu speaking people.
Humpy held the record from 2002 to 2008 for the youngest woman ever to become a grandmaster (not merely a Woman Grandmaster), which she achieved in 15 years, 1 month, 27 days, beating Judit Polgar's previous record by 3 months. However, she later lost this record to Hou Yifan.
Koneru Humpy broke new grounds with her achievements in chess - long considered a male fiefdom. With hard work and sheer determination, the soft-spoken Humpy is giving her male peers a good run for their money.
Humpy's Achievements:
> World under-14 championship, 2001, Castellan, Spain.
> Asia's youngest International Woman Master, 1999.
> India's youngest Woman GM, 2001.
> World junior championship, 2001, Athens.
> In 2002, Koneru Humpy become the first woman chess player from India to receive the Men's Grandmaster title.
> At 15 years, one month and 27 days, Koneru also became the world's youngest Women Grandmaster to achieve full Grandmaster status, beating the record of her idol Judith Polgar, who achieved the feat at 15 years, four months and 27 days.
A first hint as for how far she could go was already given at age 6, when the youngster was watching her dad going over a game and suggested a move. Indeed it was the move that was actually played, and the feat continued on with many of her suggestions.
When she took 4th place in the Indian under 8 championships in 1995, Ashok decided to leave his career and dedicate his time to making her child a champion, which happened quite fast when in 1998, Humpy won the gold medal in the world under 10 competition. That success brought sponsorship, and the road for chess success was paved.
She is Asia's youngest International Women Master and twice age group World champion at 13years of age. The shy lass took to chess at the age of six. Humpy, who won the first tournament she played, at Vijayawada in 1994, rose steadily conquering one peak after another. The sea of awards she won in her chequered career include Sportstar Young Achiever Award in 1997 and 1998, two gold medals in the Mind Sports Olympiad, London 1999 and the prestigious UNESCO "Millennium Dreamers" Award given jointly by McDonald's Corporation and Walt Disney Company in association with UNESCO this year.
As she was preparing to leave for the Women’s Grand Prix at Istanbul in 2009, I caught up for a small chit-chat with this chess wonder, who lived then in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh!
Humpy was originally named Hampi (after the ancient city) by her parents but her father later changed it to Humpy, a more Russian-sounding name. She writes her family name (Koneru) before her given name as is the convention with Telugu speaking people.
Humpy held the record from 2002 to 2008 for the youngest woman ever to become a grandmaster (not merely a Woman Grandmaster), which she achieved in 15 years, 1 month, 27 days, beating Judit Polgar's previous record by 3 months. However, she later lost this record to Hou Yifan.
Koneru Humpy broke new grounds with her achievements in chess - long considered a male fiefdom. With hard work and sheer determination, the soft-spoken Humpy is giving her male peers a good run for their money.
Humpy's ascent to success has been possible under the tutelage of her father
Koneru Ashok who gave up a teaching job to devote his time to Humpy.
Humpy's Achievements:
> World under-14 championship, 2001, Castellan, Spain.
> Asia's youngest International Woman Master, 1999.
> India's youngest Woman GM, 2001.
> World junior championship, 2001, Athens.
> In 2002, Koneru Humpy become the first woman chess player from India to receive the Men's Grandmaster title.
> At 15 years, one month and 27 days, Koneru also became the world's youngest Women Grandmaster to achieve full Grandmaster status, beating the record of her idol Judith Polgar, who achieved the feat at 15 years, four months and 27 days.
When she took 4th place in the Indian under 8 championships in 1995, Ashok decided to leave his career and dedicate his time to making her child a champion, which happened quite fast when in 1998, Humpy won the gold medal in the world under 10 competition. That success brought sponsorship, and the road for chess success was paved.
She is Asia's youngest International Women Master and twice age group World champion at 13years of age. The shy lass took to chess at the age of six. Humpy, who won the first tournament she played, at Vijayawada in 1994, rose steadily conquering one peak after another. The sea of awards she won in her chequered career include Sportstar Young Achiever Award in 1997 and 1998, two gold medals in the Mind Sports Olympiad, London 1999 and the prestigious UNESCO "Millennium Dreamers" Award given jointly by McDonald's Corporation and Walt Disney Company in association with UNESCO this year.
1. When did you begin playing chess and who did you learn this game from?
I started playing when I was 6 years old. I learnt the game from my dad. He trained me in this game.
2. How did you inculcate this interest in playing chess?
I had been observing my father playing chess, took interest and I started playing too. He is my role model. He never forced me into this game!
3. You are a role model to a lot of kids. What is your take on this?
Yes, I agree to this. The younger generation is definitely more interested in this game now than ever. I am really happy for this development. It boosts me as much as it boosts them seeing me play and win awards.
4. The different awards that you received…
I have received many awards, but the most memorable are:
2001 – Junior Men Grandmaster (was ranked 2 in the world); World Junior Girl’s Championship
2004 – Arjuna
2006 – 2 Gold Medals in the Asian Games, Doha
2007 – Padma Shri; 2 Gold and 2 Silver Medals in the Asian Indoor Games, Macau.
2008 – Bronze Medal in the Women’s World Championship; Rajalakshmi Award.
Apart from this, I have also won the Hero India Sports Star Award and the Asian Women’s Championship conducted by the Commonwealth Group. I have participated in the International Open Men’s tournaments in Europe and this was my happiest moment.
5. Your style of Play…
I like to play long games, steady and solid. Basically, I stick to positional play, moving to tactics if required.
6. And your preparation…
My father is my coach and trainer and usually I practise for about seven to eight hours a day, mostly on board and with computer as well. Also, I play regular training games with my father. I prepare from an Opponent’s perspective and mostly study the opening and the middle parts of the game.
7. Your fitness regime…
I go to the gym for one hour everyday. This keeps me mentally and physically fit, agile and active.
8. What do you think is the reason behind the popularity of Chess in the villages as well these days?
When compared to other games and sports, chess is much cheaper. We just need to have the board and the pawns. Interest to learn this game is the key, though.
9. What are your hobbies?
I do not have much time on hand; however, when I do have, I love to watch movies and read books while travelling.
10. Who then are our favorite actors?
Junior NTR and Genelia!
11. Your family…
My parents and my younger sister who is pursuing final year Graduation and ICWA. She was playing chess for a while, but she is not into this anymore!
12. Your message to all who are interested in Chess…
Please take this up seriously and should not think about results. Just learn the game, have patience, have a goal and be determined! These are the keys to achieve success.
13. Wish you all the very best at the WGP…
Thank you very much, Ma’am!
I started playing when I was 6 years old. I learnt the game from my dad. He trained me in this game.
2. How did you inculcate this interest in playing chess?
I had been observing my father playing chess, took interest and I started playing too. He is my role model. He never forced me into this game!
3. You are a role model to a lot of kids. What is your take on this?
Yes, I agree to this. The younger generation is definitely more interested in this game now than ever. I am really happy for this development. It boosts me as much as it boosts them seeing me play and win awards.
4. The different awards that you received…
I have received many awards, but the most memorable are:
2001 – Junior Men Grandmaster (was ranked 2 in the world); World Junior Girl’s Championship
2004 – Arjuna
2006 – 2 Gold Medals in the Asian Games, Doha
2007 – Padma Shri; 2 Gold and 2 Silver Medals in the Asian Indoor Games, Macau.
2008 – Bronze Medal in the Women’s World Championship; Rajalakshmi Award.
Apart from this, I have also won the Hero India Sports Star Award and the Asian Women’s Championship conducted by the Commonwealth Group. I have participated in the International Open Men’s tournaments in Europe and this was my happiest moment.
5. Your style of Play…
I like to play long games, steady and solid. Basically, I stick to positional play, moving to tactics if required.
6. And your preparation…
My father is my coach and trainer and usually I practise for about seven to eight hours a day, mostly on board and with computer as well. Also, I play regular training games with my father. I prepare from an Opponent’s perspective and mostly study the opening and the middle parts of the game.
7. Your fitness regime…
I go to the gym for one hour everyday. This keeps me mentally and physically fit, agile and active.
8. What do you think is the reason behind the popularity of Chess in the villages as well these days?
When compared to other games and sports, chess is much cheaper. We just need to have the board and the pawns. Interest to learn this game is the key, though.
9. What are your hobbies?
I do not have much time on hand; however, when I do have, I love to watch movies and read books while travelling.
10. Who then are our favorite actors?
Junior NTR and Genelia!
11. Your family…
My parents and my younger sister who is pursuing final year Graduation and ICWA. She was playing chess for a while, but she is not into this anymore!
12. Your message to all who are interested in Chess…
Please take this up seriously and should not think about results. Just learn the game, have patience, have a goal and be determined! These are the keys to achieve success.
13. Wish you all the very best at the WGP…
Thank you very much, Ma’am!
*********
(Published in Windows & Aisles, the inflight magazine - 2009)
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