Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Indian Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy on winning bronze medals at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship held in Doha.
Arjun Erigaisi produced a historic performance in the open section, scoring 9.5 points to clinch his maiden bronze medal – just one point behind world champion Magnus Carlsen. With this achievement, Arjun became only the second Indian male player, after five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, to finish on the podium at a World Rapid Championship.
“Proud of Arjun Erigaisi for winning the bronze medal in the open section at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha. His grit is noteworthy. Wishing him the very best for his future endeavours,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
In the women’s section, Koneru Humpy secured the bronze medal after a closely contested tournament. Three players – Humpy Koneru, Zhu Jiner of China, and Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia – were tied for the lead heading into the final round.
In Round 11, both Zhu and Goryachkina drew their games. Humpy, who had a winning endgame against compatriot B. Savitha, misplayed in time trouble, allowing the game to end in a draw. As a result, all three players finished with 8.5 points from 11 rounds.
According to tournament regulations, only the top two players based on tiebreaks advanced to the playoff. Zhu finished first on tiebreaks, followed by Goryachkina, while Humpy placed third and was awarded the bronze medal. Goryachkina went on to defeat Zhu in the blitz playoff to claim the gold medal.
In another post on X, PM Modi said, “Congratulations to Koneru Humpy, who finished strongly at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in Doha, securing the bronze medal in the women’s section. Her dedication towards the game is commendable. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead.”
Notably, Humpy has previously won gold medals at the World Rapid Championship in 2019 and 2024.
(With agency inputs)
