NEW DELHI: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) celebrated the achievements of Indian chess prodigies Gukesh Dommaraju and Koneru Humpy in a grand felicitation ceremony in New Delhi.
Eighteen-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju was honoured for becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion, a feat he achieved by defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling 14-match encounter held in Singapore last December. Gukesh, only the second Indian to hold the prestigious title after Viswanathan Anand, was awarded a cash prize of ₹1 crore. His support team also received ₹50 lakh in recognition of their contribution.
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Koneru Humpy, India’s top-ranked female chess player, was felicitated for winning the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship, her second triumph at the event. The 37-year-old defeated Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar to claim the title and was awarded ₹50 lakh by the federation.
R Vaishali Rameshbabu, who secured a bronze medal in the women’s section of the 2024 FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship, was also recognized with a cash prize of ₹20 lakh.
AICF President Nitin Narang lauded the players, saying, “It is a proud moment for us to see our prodigies conquer the chess world. Gukesh’s grit and determination have made him the youngest-ever world champion.”
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Secretary General Dev Patel also commended the players’ families, adding, “Their sacrifices have been instrumental in shaping these champions. Humpy’s achievements as a mother and athlete are especially inspiring.”
The felicitation was held on the eve of the National Awards ceremony, where Gukesh will be conferred the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award.
Expressing gratitude, Gukesh said, “2024 was a milestone year for Indian chess. With continued support, we will achieve even greater heights in 2025.” Humpy echoed his sentiments, stating, “This medal belongs to our motherland. We are moving forward to win more for the country.”
The event underscored the golden era of Indian chess, with 2024 also marking India’s historic gold at the FIDE Chess Olympiad.
