I have been overlooked for the Asian Games: Koneru Humpy

NEW DELHI: India's number one ranked women chess player Koneru Humpy on Saturday alleged that she has been overlooked for the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou next month.


A day after the All Indian Chess Federation (AICF) announced that world champion Viswanathan Anand and Koneru Humpy have pulled out of the Asian Games, the winner of two gold medals of 2006 Doha Asian Games, Humpy minced no words in saying that given a chance she would have loved to represent India.

"I have not pulled out of Asian Games but denied an entry. I wish the federation could have shown some respect to international players and their prior engagements," an upset Humpy said.

"Playing for India is always the top most priority and I would have loved to play for country and win a gold medal.

"The Indian Chess Federation wanted me to attend a training camp before the Asian Games but they should have looked at my international commitments and taken my performance into account before rejecting my case," the world number two added.

Humpy, the highest ranked Indian in the world, has an international rating of 2593 points and is behind Judith Polgar of Hungary.

"All my appeals to the federation have fallen flat and that left me really disappointed. What can I do if the parent chess body is not willing to give a chance to the defending champion?

"I have also written to India's sports minister MS Gill but I am yet to get a reply," Humpy said.
Pentela Harikrishna and Dronavalli Harika find place in the Indian Chess Team announced for the Asian Games 2010.