Koneru Humpy, born on March 31, 1987, is a distinguished Indian chess grandmaster who has made significant strides in the world of chess. She is renowned for being a runner-up in the Women's World Chess Championship and a two-time Women's World Rapid Chess Champion. Her remarkable journey in chess began at a young age, and in 2002, she became the youngest female player and the first Indian female player to achieve the title of Grandmaster, accomplishing this feat at the age of fifteen years, one month, and twenty-seven days.
Throughout her illustrious career, Koneru has earned numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Olympiad, Asian Games, and Asian Championship. Her exceptional skills on the chessboard have not only brought her personal success but have also contributed to the recognition of Indian chess on the global stage.
In October 2007, she made history by becoming the second female player, following Judit Polgár, to surpass the 2600 Elo rating mark, achieving a rating of 2606. As of April 2026, she stands as the third highest-rated woman in chess history, trailing only behind Judit Polgár and Hou Yifan.
Koneru's prowess in rapid chess was further highlighted when she clinched the Women's World Rapid Chess Championship titles in both 2019 and 2024, solidifying her status as one of the leading figures in contemporary chess.