Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian Grandmasters Humpy Koneru and Arjun Erigaisi for securing bronze medals in the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship held in Doha. Arjun Erigaisi made history by clinching the bronze, finishing just one point behind world champion Magnus Carlsen. This achievement makes him the second Indian male player, after Viswanathan Anand, to reach the podium in a World Rapid Championship.
PM Modi expressed his pride in Arjun Erigaisi’s accomplishment and wished him success in his future endeavors. Meanwhile, Humpy Koneru also claimed a bronze medal in the women’s section, adding to the gold medals she previously won in 2019 and 2024. The Prime Minister commended her dedication to the game and extended his best wishes for her future pursuits.
In the Women’s Rapid Championship, three players, including Humpy Koneru, were tied for the lead before the final round. Despite a strong performance, Humpy missed the opportunity to secure the top spot due to a draw in the final round. She finished tied for first place with Aleksandra Goryachkina and Zhu Jiner, scoring 8.5 points from 11 rounds.
Following the tie-break regulations, Zhu Jiner and Aleksandra Goryachkina advanced to the playoff finals, with Humpy Koneru narrowly missing out. In the tie-breaker, Goryachkina emerged victorious to claim the gold medal, leaving Humpy in the third position.
