Koneru Humpy of India (PTI Photo) India’s top Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has announced her decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament, citing personal safety and well-being as her primary concern. The tournament, which begins on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus, is the only route to a Women’s World Cup match.
Contributed by Koner Humpa
In an interview with X on Sunday, Humpy wrote: “After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Candidates Tournament. No event, however important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances given, I do not feel completely safe under the current circumstances. This is a painful but necessary decision and I stand by it.”
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Koneru Humpy Exclusive: Why the chess legend hasn’t played since losing the World Championship The 38-year-old veteran, who qualified as a contender after finishing second at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, has previously expressed concerns about traveling amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. While her recall will allow another eligible player, Anna Muzychuk, to take her place, it could have wider implications for Indian chess, both in terms of representation and potential financial penalties.FIDE regulations allow for a fine of up to €10,000 if a player withdraws without satisfactory reason, although the final decision rests with the FIDE Council. With Humpy out, India will still be represented in the women’s field by R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, while R Praggnanandhaa will lead the country in the open section.Humpy’s decision highlights the delicate balance elite players face between competitive ambition and personal safety in uncertain times.
