GM Humpy highlights how Global Chess League can fill existing gaps in the sport's ecosystem
The first edition of Global Chess League, an Ipl-style chess tournament which will be held at the Dubai Chess Club from June 21 to July 2 this year, is all set to change the landscape of the sport.
Among the chess stars who will be competing in the tournament is Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, who is the youngest female chess player to achieve a Grandmaster title.
"It's quite an interesting one to have a league with mixed teams of men, women and junior players. Apart from that, having a corporate like Tech Mahindra will definitely have a bigger impact in the chess world.,” said Humpy.
“This is one of the bigger reasons for us to take part in this event. This league will be inspiration for organisers all over the world,”
Humpy said. "This is the first time an Indian corporate is coming forward to organising a Chess league.
“Chess is changing now, and the organisers are trying to make it more spectacular to attract more audience.
“We also enjoy shorter time formats in a fun way, which will be more entertaining for the audienc,” she added.
With a current world ranking of 204 and Classical Elo rating of 2586, the Andhra Pradesh star is regarded as one of the top players from India.
Giving a brief insight into what it takes to succeed in chess, Humpy added: "Chess requires lot of practice and physical fitness. You need stamina to be at your best to perform. It takes a lot of time.
“It also requires a lot of material to read that we have to go through. Training for chess is a never ending story.”