Did PM Modi Congratulate Humpy and Erigaisi for Their FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship Bronze?
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Synopsis
Indian Grandmasters Humpy Kuneru and Arjun Erigaisi recently made the nation proud by winning bronze medals at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha. With their remarkable achievements, both players have showcased their exceptional talent in chess, earning accolades and recognition.
Key Takeaways
- Arjun Erigaisi achieved a historic bronze medal.
- Humpy Kuneru continues her legacy with another medal.
- Both players showcased exceptional skill in Doha.
- PM Narendra Modi praised their efforts publicly.
- This event underlines India's growing influence in chess.
New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his congratulations to Indian Grandmasters Humpy Kuneru and Arjun Erigaisi for securing the bronze medal in the open category at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship held in Doha.
Erigaisi achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a bronze medal at the championship, accumulating 9.5 points—only one point shy of world champion Magnus Carlsen. With this accomplishment, he became the second Indian male player, following five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, to reach the podium at a World Rapid Championship.
“I am proud of Arjun Erigaisi for clinching the bronze medal in the open section at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha. His determination is truly admirable. I wish him all the best for his future endeavors,” PM Modi tweeted on X.
In parallel, the women’s section of the World Rapid Championship saw Humpy also claim bronze, adding to her gold medals from 2019 and 2024.
“Congratulations to Koneru Humpy, who concluded strongly at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha, earning the bronze medal in the women’s category. Her commitment to the sport is praiseworthy. Best wishes for her future pursuits,” PM Modi stated in another post on X.
During the Women’s Rapid event, three players—Zhu Jiner, Aleksandra Goryachkina, and defending champion Humpy Koneru—were tied for the lead going into the final round, each having scored 8 out of 10 points.
In the concluding Round 11, both Zhu and Goryachkina secured draws. Koneru, the only leader with a chance for sole first place, had a winning endgame against compatriot Shri B. Savitha but mismanaged in time trouble, allowing Savitha to escape with a draw.
Humpy finished tied for the top position with eventual champion Aleksandra Goryachkina, a two-time World Junior Girls' Champion, and Zhu Jiner, each scoring 8.5 points from 11 rounds.
Per the regulations, in the event of a tie for first place, only the top two players (based on tiebreaks) progressed to the playoff finals. Unfortunately for Koneru, she did not qualify.
In the tiebreak, Zhu took the top spot, with Goryachkina second, while Humpy finished third. Goryachkina and Zhu then faced off in a tiebreaker, with Goryachkina emerging victorious to claim the gold medal.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of the achievements of Humpy Kuneru and Arjun Erigaisi at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship. Their remarkable performances not only reflect their individual talents but also highlight India's growing prominence in the global chess arena. Such achievements inspire the nation and encourage future generations to pursue excellence in their endeavors.
NationPress
02/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What medals did Humpy Kuneru and Arjun Erigaisi win?
Both Grandmasters won bronze medals at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha.
Who is the Prime Minister of India?
The current Prime Minister of India is Narendra Modi.
Where was the championship held?
The FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship took place in Doha.
How many points did Erigaisi score?
Erigaisi scored a total of 9.5 points during the championship.
What are the notable achievements of Humpy Kuneru?
Humpy Kuneru is a two-time gold medalist and recently won bronze at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship.
