Koneru Humpy Withdraws From FIDE Candidates: ‘Do Not Feel Fully Secure Under Current Circumstances’ | Chess News

Last Updated:March 22, 2026, 23:02 IST

Koneru Humpy withdraws from FIDE Womens Candidates in Paphos citing safety amid West Asia conflict and Cyprus drone attack fears, a major setback for India.

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Koneru Humpy. (PTI Photo)

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy on Sunday announced her withdrawal from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, citing concerns over her personal safety despite assurances from the organisers amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The Candidates, which will decide the challengers for the world championship titles currently held by D Gukesh (open) and Ju Wenjun (women), is scheduled to begin in Paphos, Cyprus, on March 28.

The former world champion said the decision, though difficult, was necessary given the present circumstances.

Koneru Humpy’s Statement

“After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament,” Humpy said in a statement on ‘X’.

“No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances.

“This is a painful but necessary decision, and I stand by it.”

What It Means

Humpy’s withdrawal is a setback for India, as she was among the leading contenders in the tournament that decides the challenger for the women’s world championship title.

Earlier this week, Humpy had said she was hesitant to travel and was considering pulling out of the tournament.

Her concerns intensified after a British air base in Cyprus came under a drone attack earlier this month, fuelling fears that the conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, could seriously affect security on the island.

Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is located south of Turkey and is a member of the European Union.

Now that Koneru Humpy has decided to withdraw, she might be handed a fine amounting to around Rs 10 Lakhs, per the FIDE Regulations section 3.5, which stipulate that, “players who fail to provide a satisfactory reason for withdrawal after they have signed the player’s contract may be imposed a fine of up to ten thousand (10,000) euros”. However, it will be up to the governing body, FIDE, to have the final call on if the Indian would be fined.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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