Koneru Humpy and Criton Tornaritis NEW DELHI: India’s top Grandmaster (GM) Koneru Humpy has pulled out of the 2026 Candidates tournament in Cyprus, saying she does not feel safe traveling to the event. Her decision drew criticism, especially from the Cyprus Chess Federation.Humpy made her position clear when she wrote on X: “After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Candidates Tournament. No event, no matter how important to myself, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances I have been given, I do not feel completely safe under the current circumstances. This is a painful but necessary decision and I stand by it.”The tournament, which begins on March 28, is a major event and the only route to a Women’s World Cup match. Humpy qualified after finishing second in the 2025 Women’s World Cup. However, concerns over regional tensions are said to have influenced her selection.
Strong response from the organizers
Her withdrawal did not go well with the president of the Cyprus Chess Federation, Criton Tornaritis, who publicly criticized her comments. Forwarding the matter to X, he said: “As president of the Cyprus Chess Federation, I am sincerely disappointed by Koneru Humpy’s decision to withdraw citing that Cyprus is ‘unsafe’.He vehemently rejected her claims, adding: “The 2026 Candidates Tournament is one of the biggest and most important chess events in the world. This is simply wrong. Spreading unfounded fears damages the sport and shows a lack of respect for the organizers and the players taking part. At the highest level of chess, decisions are based on calculations and facts, not fear or misinformation.”After Humpy’s performance, Ukrainian Anna Muzychuk will take her place, as already confirmed by FIDE. If her reason is not acknowledged, there may be consequences, including possible fines under FIDE rules. Despite her absence, India will still have representation in the women’s tournament through R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh. In the open category, R Praggnanandhaa will be the sole flag bearer for India.
