On Monday, former World Rapid Chess champion Koneru Humpy claimed the first worldwide Chess League may cover the sport’s worldwide “ecosystem” deficit.
Tech Mahindra and FIDE’s GCL will feature six teams playing a minimum of 10 matches in a double round-robin, quick style from June 21 to July 2 in Dubai.
Humpy, who became the youngest female Grandmaster at 15 years and one month in 2002, thought the league concept, where each team will include men, women, and younger players, would draw attention.
A league featuring mixed teams of men, women, and juniors seems intriguing. The two-time Asian Games gold medalist noted in a news statement that it benefits the worldwide chess environment.
Humpy, an Arjuna and Padma Shri recipient, thinks this league would inspire organizers worldwide.
“Chess is changing, and the organisers are trying to make it more spectacular to attract more audience,” the 35-year-old added.
We like engaging, shorter time forms that will delight the audience.” With a surplus of GMs, Humpy, who will also compete in the GCL, claimed the sport was rising in the country.
I started at six. I can attest that Indian chess evolves.
“We have plenty of Grandmasters now from the country and we are the fastest-growing country in chess,” claimed the Andhra star, who has a global ranking of 204 and a Classical Elo rating of 2586.
Humpy was upset that fewer Indian women played than males.
“Indian women’s chess players are growing slower than men. Women’s chess has several youthful players.
She remarked the number is low for our population and talent.
Humpy, mother of a five-year-old, added that women may continue playing chess after parenthood.