Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy Opens Up About Balancing Chess Career and Motherhood
Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy Opens Up About Balancing Chess Career and Motherhood
Indian professional chess player Koneru Humpy has shared insights into the challenges of balancing her professional chess career with motherhood, shedding light on the evolution of chess in India and her unique strategy of avoiding social media to maintain focus.
In a recent interview, Koneru discussed the complexities of managing her professional commitments while also being a mother. She emphasized the importance of being selective about tournament participation and prioritizing events that offer significant benefits. Koneru highlighted the support she receives from her parents in caring for her child when she travels for competitions.
Throughout her career, Koneru has been coached by her father, Koneru Ashok, which has presented both advantages and challenges. While acknowledging the benefits of having a family member as a coach, Koneru also revealed the difficulties of maintaining a strict coach-player relationship with her father.
Despite her own success in the world of chess, Koneru remains unsure if her daughter, Ahana, will follow in her footsteps. While she has introduced Ahana to the basics of chess, Koneru respects her daughter’s interests in art and acknowledges that chess may not be her primary focus.
In a departure from the norm, Koneru has chosen to steer clear of social media, citing a desire to avoid distractions and maintain her focus on the game. She expressed her disinterest in sharing personal details publicly and emphasized the challenges of managing time for chess without additional distractions.
While chess has seen increased visibility in recent years, with rising stars like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa making waves in tournaments, Koneru believes that the sport still lags behind others like cricket in terms of public recognition and endorsements. She noted the role of social media in bringing attention to recent chess achievements but highlighted the need for greater publicity and support for the game.
Looking ahead, Koneru is gearing up to compete in the Mumba Masters as part of the Global Chess League’s second season in October. She expressed excitement about the competitive nature of the tournament and the opportunity to showcase her skills alongside other top players. The league’s unique format, featuring joint teams and a best-of-six board scoring system, promises an engaging and thrilling competition for chess enthusiasts.
As Koneru continues to navigate the demands of her professional career and personal life, her dedication to the game and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring chess players and fans alike.