In August 2001, at just 14 years old, Koneru Humpy became the World Junior Girls’ (U-20) Chess Champion, marking a historic achievement in Indian chess.
Event: World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship (U-20)
Date: August 2001
Age: 14 years old
She became one of the youngest-ever winners of this prestigious title.
Her victory proved that she was a rising star in international chess.
She followed in the footsteps of Vishy Anand, who had won the World Junior (Open) title in 1987.
Location: The tournament was held in Athens, Greece.
Humpy dominated the field despite playing against much older and experienced opponents.
She played aggressive and technically sound chess, finishing with the best score in the tournament.
2002: Became the youngest-ever female Grandmaster (GM) at 15 years, 1 month, and 27 days, breaking Judit Polgár’s record at the time.
2003-2010: Won multiple elite women’s chess tournaments, including the Asian Women’s Championship and various international events.
2011 & 2020: Won the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship.
Currently: One of India’s strongest female players and among the world’s top women in chess.
Her 2001 World Junior title was a stepping stone to her historic Grandmaster title in 2002 and her dominance in women’s chess.
