Born on 31 March 1987, she is a chess player who is also the reigning world rapid champion. She is an Arjuna Award winner and a recipient of the Padma Shri. She also ranks among the top three of FIDE’s list of female chess players in the world. And on 31 August 2020, she won gold in the Moscow online championship. She is none other than Koneru Humpy. Speaking to The Daily Guardian, the famed chess champion shared her life journey. Excerpts:
Q. How do you compare a regular game of chess with its online version?
A. The online version is getting a lot of popularity nowadays. The game which you earlier played physically, moving to the tournament, has now changed. The online games go on and on. Changes have also come about in how you enjoy the game.
Q. What troubles do you feel a player faces while playing online?
A. I think it consumes a lot of time. Since time is also a factor in the game, internet connectivity and speed matters. But for that, some apps are helpful for continuing without any hurdles and playing smoothly.
Q. How has your family supported you?
A. Whatsoever I have achieved, the credit goes to my family only.
Q. What are your hobbies, apart from chess?
A. I love travelling, gardening, watching YouTube Live, movies, meditation, going out to the store and shopping.
Q. How do you manage your game with all your family responsibilities?
A. Fortunately, I live near my parents’ house. Every morning, I send my daughter to my parents to make time for practice. My husband is also very supportive and he likes to promote and motivate me.
Q. Do you play any outdoor games too?
A. Yes, I play badminton.
Q. How does badminton help you as a player?
A. Such outdoor games are helpful for chess players, particularly for having a balanced mind. We are likely to experience a lot of tension. Playing games or doing something new can improve presence of mind and increase memory too.
Q. How would you define the game of chess? How can chess be helpful for a common person?
A. People should try playing the game every day for less than one hour or something like that. It’s good for those who want to achieve something. Like, for me, it teaches me about coordination and time management.
Q. Does chess really help in improving memory?
A. Yes, it helps a lot to increase your memory and develop a sense of making strategy.
Q. What is the main feature of your game? Do you play to attack or is your game defensive?
A. I am a positional chess player, so I play to safeguard myself and move accordingly.
Q. What do you consider your major achievements?
A. I have won many championships at the national and international levels. My first medal was also for the country. I took a break from the game because of my little daughter, but now I’m back and winning all the major tournaments. I had gotten a silver medal in 2011, but last year, I won in the Grand Prix too.
Q. What important message do you want to convey to budding and upcoming chess players?
A. The three Ps are very important in life: patience, a positive attitude and practice. I have been following this mantra. Also, for a beginner, and even for an expert chess player, there are many online platforms and YouTube tutorials to learn the game. These have very helpful tips for any player to create a name for himself/herself and get fame in the arena of chess.
The interviewer is Bureau Chief of Himalini Magazine, Nepal. He has written two books on media education. He is also founder of Creatives World Media Academy.