Two-time Asian Games gold medalist Grandmaster Koneru Humpy is not sure of his participation in the continental event later this year as the event is being held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. She said she would make a decision closer to this top competition. Humpy was a teenager when she won gold in the women’s individual and mixed team events at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha. Humpy, one of India’s top women chess players along with D Harika, would be almost certain of her place in the Indian team for the Hangzhou Games starting on September 23 if she decides to play.
But Humpy told PTI on the sidelines of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix that she was “unhappy” with the Asian Games being held in China. Chess is returning to the Asian Games after 13 years and when asked about his expectations from the tournament, Humpy said, “I am not sure about my participation in the Asian Games as it is being held in China.” Said, “Because of China, I am not sure that I will participate. Maybe I will decide in June or July.(It) is due to Covid, what else could be the reason.
Humpy said, “I really want to play in the Asian Games. But I am a little unhappy that it is being organized in China. So let me think and decide on that. ”The Asian Games were postponed last year due to a surge in Kovid-19 cases in China. This year again the country has seen an increase in cases of infection. Humpy, who was part of the bronze-winning women’s team at the historic Chess Olympiad in Mahabalipuram last year, said the All India Chess Federation (AICF) should do more for women’s chess.
