Koneru Humpy withdraws from FIDE Women's Candidates tournament over safety concerns
(Courtesy : @koneruhumpy/Instagram)
The two-time World Rapid champion cited personal safety concerns for her withdrawal.
Indian chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has pulled out of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, citing some pretty worrying personal safety concerns that is sparked by the ongoing conflict in West Asia which is now raising fears for the host country, Cyprus.
A World Rapid Champion not once but twice, Humpy made this deeply personal and downright painful announcement on Sunday via a social media post, saying that was her only option.
In her post, Humpy wrote, “After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. 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.”
It’s a huge loss for Indian chess as Humpy had fought her way into the Candidates with an exceptional run at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup in Georgia, and she was going to need that kind of form to compete at the highest level.
The bitter part? Humpy had worked incredibly hard just to qualify. At last year’s Women’s World Cup in Georgia, she was staring down a 2-3 deficit in the tie-breaks against China’s Lei Tingjie. Most players would have cracked under that pressure. Humpy didn’t.
She won three games straight, closed it out 5-3, and marched into the final where she came up against compatriot Divya Deshmukh, who was simply brilliant on the day.
A year of remarkable performances
That World Cup run was not even the best of her 2025. She won the Pune Grand Prix, took bronze at the World Rapid Championship in Doha. She was in some serious form and even defeated players like Sara Khadem and Bibisara Assaubayeva.
She had genuinely earned her seat at the Candidates table. Walking away from it must have stung.
Now, Deshmukh heads into the Women’s Candidates alone as India’s representative, while R Praggnanandhaa, who won the 2025 FIDE Circuit carries the flag in the Open section.
Why has Koneru Humpy withdrawn from FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026 in Cyprus?
Humpy has pulled out citing safety concerns, which is sparked by the ongoing war in Middle West Asia.
What did Koneru Humpy say in her statement?
In her statement, Humpy wrote: After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. 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.”
Has any other player withdrawn from FIDE Candidates 2026?
No, so far, Humpy is the only player who has pulled out of the prestigious event.
Where and when will FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026 take place?
The tournament will take place at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus, between 28 March and 16 April.
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.