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Under the opulent ceiling of the Grand Bellagio Batumi Convention Hotel in Georgia, time seemed to hold its breath. It was July earlier this year, and the Women’s World Cup final was underway.
Across the 64 squares sat two Indian queens: Koneru Humpy, calm with decades of wisdom, and Divya Deshmukh, young, radiant, and unafraid to dream.
After two drawn classical games, Deshmukh saw Humpy falter under immense time pressure. The 19-year-old from Nagpur became the youngest Women’s World Cup winner and India’s first to lift the coveted title.
Ever since, the teenage Grandmaster (GM) Divya Deshmukh has kept busy, from playing in the FIDE Grand Swiss to participating in the FIDE World Cup in Goa. However, her opponent that night, the vastly experienced Koneru Humpy, hasn’t made a single competitive appearance.
“You have completely vanished?” This question brought an easy smile to the 38-year-old’s face during her exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
The Unseen Pause: Koneru Humpy’s Post-World Cup Hiatus
“Before the World Cup, I think for a whole month I played tournaments,” Humpy replied with utmost calmness. “I played the Norway Chess, then from there, I went to the US for the Cairns Cup and within a week, I played this World Cup. But this tournament also lasted a month. So for almost two months, I was out of home.”
With the 2026 Women’s Candidates spot already secured thanks to her top-three finish in Batumi, Humpy decided to skip all tournaments since, including the Grand Swiss.
A Daughter’s Call: Prioritizing Family Time
Her reason for stepping away was far more personal. “I just wanted to take a break in between so that I could spend some time with my daughter,” she revealed. “She was missing me for a long time. So I just decided to stay back at home.”
Healing from Heartbreak: Processing the World Cup Loss
For someone who has scaled nearly every peak in women’s chess, a loss in the final stings deeply. The two-time World Rapid Champion admits it wasn’t easy to process.
“Like any other person, it was a painful time for me, losing in the finals and that too after putting in a lot of effort,” she said.
However, Humpy maintains a pragmatic view. “If I look back as a player, I didn’t have any expectations before the start of the tournament. Knockout formats were never really my strength.”
She added, “Earlier, I often lost in the semifinals or got knocked out in the second round or pre-quarters. So one way, I’m happy that I qualified for the Candidates through that tournament. But yes, it was painful for a few days.”
The Philosophy of Balance
So, how did she cope with the setback? “Once I’m back home and into my routine, the things just pass on,” she added with a smile.
“I’m not the kind of player who wants to play tournaments continuously or push myself too much. I try to balance both my family and profession.”
That balance, Humpy believes, is also key to recovering from any major setback. “It’s important not to get depressed because failure is a part of life,” she continued.
“You can’t be successful without failing. Everyone should remember that if you are failing, it’s a sign you are giving a good attempt. One day, if not today, you’ll be successful in your next attempt.”
Life Beyond the Board: Humpy’s Everyday Refresh
The time away from chess has been refreshingly ordinary for Humpy, focusing on what truly matters to her.
“Like any other family, I spend time with my daughter,” she said. “We go out, we had a few weddings in the family; it’s all refreshed right now.”
When she’s home, chess takes a backseat. “We don’t discuss chess much. It’s more about my daughter: her interests, her activities, taking her to drawing classes, helping with homework, like any other regular mother.”
That invaluable family time, she admits, has re-energised her for the challenges ahead. “Yeah, it’s quite refreshing,” she smiled. “Now I’m ready to get back into the scene.”
The Grand Comeback: Koneru Humpy Returns to the Board
Koneru Humpy’s return to competitive chess will be marked by the Global Chess League (GCL) later this year. Set to be hosted in Mumbai’s Royal Opera House from December 13 to 24, the upcoming third season will be her comeback tournament.
Humpy seems genuinely excited about this fresh start.
“I had a very mixed opinion when I first played in the initial GCL,” she confessed. She outlined her initial thoughts on the unique format:
- Traditional chess involves calm, focused surroundings.
- GCL is entirely different, with a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.
- Players gather in team polos, with music and cheering fans.
- Initially, she found it distracting, but quickly adapted.
- “After a couple of rounds, I got used to it. It was actually fun.”
After the GCL, Humpy will continue her return by participating in the World Rapid and Blitz Championships, scheduled to be hosted in Doha from December 25-31.
Conclusion: A Resilient Queen’s New Chapter
Koneru Humpy’s temporary retreat from the chess world wasn’t a sign of weakness, but a testament to her strength and commitment to a balanced life. After a period of healing from the Women’s World Cup heartbreak and cherishing precious family time, India’s chess queen is now refreshed and ready.
Her return to the Global Chess League and the World Rapid and Blitz Championships marks an exciting new chapter. It’s a reminder that even the greatest athletes need to pause, recharge, and find balance to continue excelling at the highest level.
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