In the world of chess, results often overshadow the journey. But Koneru Humpy’s runner-up finish at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2024 is one of those rare occasions where the silver medal shines just as brightly as gold. At 38, Humpy went head-to-head with India’s rising star Divya Deshmukh, 19, in a gripping generational clash that went down to the wire in Batumi.
The finals saw three consecutive draws before Divya edged ahead in the second rapid tiebreaker game. While it was heartbreak for Humpy and her team, especially her long-time second Kushager Krishnater, the performance remains a testament to resilience, adaptability, and elite-level preparation — not just over days, but decades.
Krishnater, an International Master and seasoned coach, described the week as the “most draining seven days” of his career. He praised Humpy’s intensity, pointing out the relentless hours of analysis and training, including working until 11 PM the night before the final and starting again at 8 AM on game day. For a player who’s balanced family life with a career at the highest level, the commitment is nothing short of extraordinary.
The World Cup Format: A Marathon of Endurance
Unlike the one-on-one setup of the Women’s World Championship, the FIDE Women’s World Cup is a grueling test of stamina and versatility. Over nearly a month, Humpy faced six different opponents across multiple time controls — classical, rapid, and blitz. The physical and mental toll of such a format is immense, particularly for someone deep into their second decade in elite chess.
Despite these challenges, Humpy showcased her hallmark grit. Her game against China’s Lei Tingjie in the quarterfinals was particularly telling — when others saw a lifeless position, Humpy squeezed every possible advantage to come within one move of victory. It’s this unwavering fighting spirit that defines her legacy.
Krishnater highlighted that even during the final days, Humpy maintained her sharpness. “To do this for 24 days straight is physically taxing. But she came prepared. Her freshness in the later rounds was proof of her fitness and discipline.”
A Champion’s Mindset: Always Evolving, Always Learning
Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand perhaps summed it up best:
“The fact that Humpy’s style is constantly evolving and she is showing familiarity with the latest trends tells me she is working very hard.”
Anand pointed to Humpy’s recent World Rapid Championship win as another marker of her continued excellence. According to him, her strength lies in her open-mindedness, her willingness to adapt, and most importantly, her joy in competing — a quality reminiscent of top players like Hikaru Nakamura.
This joy, combined with elite-level preparation and a refusal to be boxed into age-based expectations, is why Humpy’s silver deserves gold-standard recognition. In an era where younger players like Divya and Gukesh dominate headlines, Humpy’s ability to stand toe-to-toe with them is inspiring. She’s not just playing chess — she’s redefining longevity in the sport.