Who Are the Indian Chess Stars Making Waves at the FIDE World Rapid Championship?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian chess Grandmasters Humpy Kuneru and Arjun Erigaisi for their remarkable bronze medal achievements at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha. Erigaisi's historic win marks him as only the second Indian male player to reach the podium in this championship's history, while Humpy adds another bronze to her impressive collection. The competition was fierce, with Humpy finishing tied for the lead but ultimately missing out on the playoff finals. Discover more about their inspiring journeys and the thrilling matches that unfolded in Doha.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 29, 2025, 17:26 IST

Historic Achievements at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship

New Delhi: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Indian chess Grandmasters Humpy Kuneru and Arjun Erigaisi for their impressive bronze medal wins at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha.

Erigaisi made history by securing a bronze medal, finishing with 9.5 points, just shy of world champion Magnus Carlsen. This achievement makes him the second Indian male player, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to reach the podium at a World Rapid Championship.

PM Modi expressed his pride in Erigaisi's accomplishment, stating on X, "Proud of Arjun Erigaisi for winning the bronze medal in the open section at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha. His grit is noteworthy. Wishing him the very best for his future endeavours."

In the women's section of the championship, Humpy also clinched a bronze medal, adding to her previous gold medals from 2019 and 2024.

PM Modi congratulated Humpy as well, stating, "Congratulations to Koneru Humpy, who finished strongly at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha, securing the Bronze medal in the women’s section. Her dedication towards the game is commendable. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead."

During the Women's Rapid Championship, three players were tied for the lead before the final round: Zhu Jiner, Aleksandra Goryachkina, and defending champion Humpy Koneru, each with 8/10 points.

In Round 11, Zhu and Goryachkina drew their matches. Koneru, the only leader with a chance to win outright, had a favorable endgame against compatriot Shri B. Savitha but faltered under time pressure, resulting in a draw.

Humpy ended up tied for the top position with Goryachkina and Zhu, finishing with 8.5 points over 11 rounds.

According to the tournament rules, in case of a tie for first place, only the top two players based on tiebreaks would advance to the playoff finals. Unfortunately for Koneru, she did not qualify.

In the tiebreak, Zhu was ranked first, followed by Goryachkina, while Humpy placed third. Goryachkina ultimately triumphed in the tiebreaker to secure the gold medal.