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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Koneru Humpy silences Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Indian chess critics: ‘If we see in the men's circuit…'
The recent FIDE Women's Chess World Cup final symbolised India's meteoric rise in the sport in recent years, as veteran Koneru Humpy took on young Divya Deshmukh in Batumi (Georgia). It was an all-Indian final, as Deshmukh scripted a sensational victory, which also saw her become a Grandmaster. Meanwhile, Humpy finished the tournament as runner-up. Koneru Humpy had a response for Indian chess critics. Last year in December, we saw D Gukesh become the World Chess Champion, as he beat Ding Liren in the final. Meanwhile, even Humpy won the World Rapid title for the second time in her career. This year, we saw R Praggnanandhaa win the Tata Masters in Wijk aan Zee, as he beat Gukesh in the title-deciding tie-breaker round. Despite India's recent success, there has been scepticism from certain members of the international chess fraternity. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen criticised Gukesh's win against Liren, and felt the World C'ship was of poor quality. Meanwhile, he has also slammed Gukesh's ability in the shorter formats. Meanwhile, American GM Fabiano Caruana, who recently gave his verdict on Indian players, and said that they didn't scare him yet. Speaking to Firspost, Humpy was asked about the scepticism Indian chess faces from some leading GMs, and she had an honest answer. 'I don't think so, victory is a victory. Of course, there will always be criticism irrespective of whatever matters. But at the end of the day, it is a gold medal, it is a world title, or whatever it is. It is a victory for the country as well,' she said. When asked if India was a leading powerhouse in chess currently, she stated, 'Yes, definitely, because that also reflects in the rankings at the world level. Specifically, if we see in the men's circuit, we have all our top players in the world rankings. So that clearly says that we are leading.' Humpy has already qualified for the Candidates Tournament, and her berth in the World Cup final secured that.
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First Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
India Responds Firmly to Pakistani Protest in Lisbon with Operation Sindoor, Says Embassy
The Indian embassy in Portugal has countered a pro-Pakistan demonstration outside its chancery, saying the country would not be intimidated by Pakistan's provocations. The embassy said the Operation Sindoor was a firm response to 'desperate provocations' by Pakistan read more India's embassy in Portugal said the world would not be intimidated by Pakistani provocations after a group protested outside its chancery. India will 'not be intimidated' by 'desperate provocations', the Indian embassy in Portugal has said after a Pakistani group staged a protest outside its chancery building here. The embassy said in a post on X on Sunday that it responded firmly with 'Operation Sindoor' to the 'cowardly' protest. Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Embassy of India @IndiainPortugal responded firmly with 'Operation Sindoor' to the cowardly protest organised by Pakistan near our Chancery building,' said the post. 'India will not be intimidated by such desperate provocations. Our resolve remains unshaken,' it said. It also thanked the Portuguese government and police for their support in ensuring the embassy's safety and security. In a separate post on X, India's Ambassador to Portugal Puneet Kundal said that the protesters were met with the 'silent yet strong and resolute message from our side 'Operation Sindoor is not yet over'.' 'All the Embassy officers were steadfast in this approach,' he added. After Indian precision strikes under 'Operation Sindoor', Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. (Except headline, this story has not been edited by Firspost staff)
