In the demanding world of elite chess, focus is paramount. Every move, every calculation requires intense concentration, often for hours on end. Yet, for Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, one of India`s most celebrated chess players, the mental board sometimes extends beyond the 64 squares. It includes thoughts of her daughter, a natural distraction that requires conscious effort to compartmentalize during crucial tournaments.
“Sometimes I do think about [her daughter] during the event,” Humpy acknowledges, highlighting the delicate balance required. “But it`s very important to stay focused and sometimes I don`t even talk with her so that I don`t get emotionally weak. It`s tough being so, but if you want to become a world champion… you need to do [it].”
This candid admission offers a glimpse into the unique pressures faced by female athletes navigating the intersection of a high-stakes career and family life. Humpy, already a prodigy who became the youngest woman ever to achieve Grandmaster status at 15 (a record since broken), has proven her extraordinary resilience multiple times. Her recent victory in December 2024, securing her second Women`s World Rapid Chess Championship title five years after her first (won just two years after her daughter Ahana was born), underscores this remarkable ability to compete at the highest level while embracing motherhood.
Balancing a career often compared only to that of Viswanathan Anand in Indian chess with the responsibilities of raising a child is a testament to Humpy`s strength. She attributes this capacity to what she perceives as women`s inherent ability to multitask. “I think girls are fighters,” she notes, adding with a touch of humor, “Women especially are very good at multitasking… I don`t believe [it] is a man`s forte.” While perhaps a sweeping statement, it points to the societal reality where the primary burden of childcare often falls on the mother – a burden that requires immense fighting spirit to bear alongside the rigors of professional sport.
Her recent win in New York wasn`t without its challenges. Having set an initial goal of a top-three finish, losing the first game was a setback. However, the relentless pace of rapid chess offered no time for dwelling on defeat. The determination to “play my best, give the toughest fight” became her driving force. This victory was particularly significant after a year marked by struggles and self-doubt. Humpy admits there were times she considered quitting the sport. The win, she says, “has motivated me again… and it`s reminded her of the `joy in the sport.`”
Now 37, Humpy has dedicated three decades to chess. She faces not only competitive challenges but also the natural changes that come with age and motherhood. Managing physical and emotional well-being alongside intense training is critical. “When you are 30s you lose your sharpness basically,” she observes, noting a “laziness to calculate accurately” compared to her teenage years. This necessitates focused work on maintaining tactical acuity. Furthermore, prioritizing health, particularly addressing potential issues post-childbirth, is non-negotiable.
Beyond personal resilience, Humpy credits her foundation and ongoing support system. Her upbringing instilled a perspective that challenges, including biological ones, should not be viewed as weaknesses. Recalling navigating her first period during an international tournament at just 10, she highlights how her mother`s practical preparation ensured it wasn`t a scary or debilitating experience. Crucially, she emphasizes the indispensable role of family support. “Without that it`s impossible to achieve,” she states, valuing the comfort and confidence that comes from knowing her daughter is cared for by grandparents while she travels and competes. Her father continues to be her training partner, maintaining a professional regimen even when she takes breaks.
Even with this support, the emotional toll exists. Humpy recounts missing her daughter`s birthday due to a delayed flight, a lapse her daughter still remembers – a vivid illustration of the “mom guilt” that often accompanies professional ambition for mothers. This experience reinforced her commitment to being present for significant family moments when not competing.
Koneru Humpy`s journey is more than a chronicle of chess victories; it`s a powerful narrative of a woman excelling at the pinnacle of her sport while navigating the profound responsibilities of motherhood. Her story illuminates the often-unseen hurdles female athletes overcome – an intangible peak that male counterparts are rarely expected to climb, or even questioned about. Celebrating Humpy means acknowledging not only her titles and rankings but also the extraordinary strength, focus, and support system required to wear the crowns of World Champion and Mother simultaneously. She stands as an inspiring figure, a queen across the board, both literally and figuratively.