Koneru humpy likely to withdraw from Candidates over safety concerns due to West Asia conflict: Reports
(Courtesy : @koneruhumpy/Instagram)
The Women’s Candidates is set to be held in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16.
Once in a while, you will hear of pro athletes who have come a long way in their journey of sportsmanship, taking a halt. Something similar is happening in the world of mind sport, where every move is calculated. After Formula 1, now it’s the chess world that’s not left unaffected amidst the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
As the 2025 FIDE World Championship runner-up, Koneru Humpy, has found herself at the verge of withdrawing from the FIDE Cyprus tournament.
Her withdrawal decision became clear as she clearly expressed, in a recent interview, “It just doesn’t make any sense. It’s dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there’s so much tension and uncertainty.”
Also Read: A look at four female chess grandmasters from India
Humpy’s prioritizing over the safety concerns than the World Championship title, is majorly due to the drone strike that targeted a British air base in Cyprus on March 1 during conflict.
However, she has asked FIDE to consider alternative venues and dates. Nevertheless, it looks like the governing body and the FIDE CEO Sutovsky remains resolute of their decision.
As Emil Sutovsky mentioned , “Of course, we are monitoring the situation,” He further stated, “Cyprus isn’t too far from the conflict zone, but it’s not involved in any way. There is no emergency situation.”
What’s next for Indian fans to hope
Despite qualifying for the 2025 World Cup runner-up title, the potential candidature withdrawal decision wouldn’t have been an easy task for Koneru Humpy to announce and for fans to accept. Certainly, a heartbreak!
For the first time in the Indian chess history of Women’s Championship, India has three qualified Grandmasters out of an eight-player field. Now as the 38-years-old legend skips the tournament, the younger duo will carry the weight of hopes from fans.
19-year-old Divya Deshmukh, the 2025 World-Cup Champion and 24-year-old R. Vaishali, two-time FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss still keeps the tactical atmosphere alive for Indian fans to keep a watch closely.
Where and when will Women’s Candidates take place?
The event will be held in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16.
Has Koneru Humpy withdrawn from Women’s Candidates?
No, Humpy has not officially pulled out of the prestigious tournament. But has said in interviews that she is likely to withdraw.
Why is Koneru Humpy set to withdraw from Women’s Candidates?
Humpy has pointed out safety concerns given Cyprus’ close proximity to Lebanon and Syria amid the West Asia conflict. Air bases in Cyprus were also hit on March 1 leading to flight cancellations.
Which Indians are participating in Women’s Candidates?
Apart from Humpy, Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali have also qualified for the tournament.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
Jagruti is a Feature Columnist and passionate freelance sports writer covering the Olympics for Khel Now. She brings insightful analysis and powerful storytelling that highlights the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of Olympic athletes.