Koner Humpa (Photo by Lennart Ootes/FIDE). NEW DELHI: India’s veteran Grandmaster (GM) and World No. 5 Koneru Humpy has now officially withdrawn from the FIDE Candidates tournament in Cyprus, sending shockwaves through the global chess community. Citing a “Level 3” travel warning and escalating tensions in the Middle East, the 38-year-old’s decision, which came late on Sunday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), offers a rare glimpse of a world-class athlete who has prioritized personal safety over a direct shot at a world title.
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Koneru Humpy Exclusive: Why the chess legend hasn’t played since losing the World Championship The tournament, which starts on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel in Pegeia, is the only gateway to the Women’s World Cup match. While India still hold a strong hand with R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh in contention, the absence of Humpa, the 2025 Women’s World Cup runner-up, is seen as a massive blow to the nation’s title hopes.In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Humpy opened up about the “debilitating” mental impact of the decision, the potential fine and her scathing criticism of FIDE’s choice of venue.
“Not an impulsive decision”: Humpy
For Humpy, the road to retreat was paved with sleepless nights.“It was not an impulsive decision. I spent a few days thinking about all aspects of professional commitment, personal safety and my ability to perform at my best,” Humpy told TimesofIndia.com. “Given the prevailing uncertainties and the overall situation, I felt that I would not be able to approach the event with the concentration and composure that such a tournament requires.”She admitted that the phase was mentally draining. “As a professional athlete, you train for an occasion like this for years. It was mentally challenging because I had to consider other factors than just chess,” she added.
Comparison of Kashmir
Perhaps the most striking part of Humpy’s stance is her criticism of Cyprus as a host during a regional conflict. Pointing to Level 3 advisories issued by the US and UK urging travelers to reconsider travel due to regional tensions and recent drone activity, Humpy questioned FIDE’s lack of flexibility.“I think decisions like this should take into account not only the logistics, but also how the players feel,” she argued. “A level 3 travel advisory issued by the US and UK State Departments urging travelers to reconsider traveling to Cyprus in light of ongoing tensions and the recent drone attack, I don’t think it could be a sporting venue for such a world-class tournament.”In a stark comparison, she added: “If they feel that (Cyprus) is right, they should also hold tournaments in places like Jammu and Kashmir, which is also considered level 3. We have beautiful locations, lavish resorts, hotels… is that what we need for a chess tournament?”Humpy believes that while the venue may have been fine when originally announced, the changing geopolitical environment warranted a change in FIDE’s strategy. “Of course, when they announced the tournament, there was no problem. (But) it has to change according to the circumstances. They should have openly asked the players to share their opinion after the war,” she claimed.
Financial consequences of withdrawal from the contract
According to FIDE regulations, withdrawal without “satisfactory reason” can be fined up to €10,000 (approximately Rs. 10 million). While the chess world debates whether security concerns constitute a “satisfactory” excuse, Humpy is unfazed by the financial threat.“At this stage my primary concern was to make a decision that I could stand behind. Things like fines or penalties are secondary … but I’m ready to deal with what comes,” she said.
Sports cost of pulling
Missing out on this women’s tournament now means that Humpy’s dream of becoming a women’s world champion is put on hold for several years. That’s a staggering price to pay for a veteran in the twilight of a storied career.“It’s a big prize, there’s no denying that,” Humpy admitted. “But not everything can be measured in terms of titles alone. If the conditions aren’t there to compete at your true level, then it doesn’t make much sense to be there either.”Humpy is not alone in his worries. After Humpy’s decision, US Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura highlighted the instability in the region, writing on X: “It’s not a good sign when the power goes out completely in some parts of Cyprus and doesn’t come back for a long time.”In addition, US Chess recently banned a delegation from the Pan American Youth in Colombia for a similar Level 3 recommendation, reflecting Humpy’s cautious approach.While Humpy stays back, the rest of the Indian contingent, R Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, are said to be continuing with their travel plans. READ ALSO: ‘Motherhood is not a responsibility’: How Indian No. 1 Koneru Humpa balances chess and familyFor fans who see it as a setback, Humpy offers a message of gratitude: “I understand their disappointment… Representing India is always a matter of pride for me. This decision was not taken lightly and I hope the fans understand the circumstances.”
