Nara Lokesh pledges support for Koneru Humpy's Amaravati chess academy

Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has sought Andhra Pradesh government support for a chess academy in Amaravati. Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh promised assistance.

The meeting took place at the minister's Undavalli residence on October 9. Humpy was accompanied by her father, Ashok, when she presented her request for government support.

Lokesh responded positively and assured her that the government would provide the necessary assistance and cooperation. The account of the meeting gives no funding amount or opening date.

The minister also congratulated Humpy on her performance at the 2026 Chess Olympiad. India's women's team won bronze, while Humpy earned an individual bronze medal on Board 1. Those achievements were another subject of the meeting, alongside the proposed academy in Amaravati.