Koneru Humpy Withdraws from FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament Over Safety Concerns

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, citing personal safety concerns due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In her heartfelt announcement on X, she emphasized that no event is worth compromising her well-being. Humpy expressed gratitude to her supporters while acknowledging the sensitivity of her situation. The tournament, which runs from March 28 to April 16 in Cyprus, features an eight-player double round-robin format, with the winner set to challenge for the chess crown. Read on to discover more about her decision and the tournament details.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 00:36 IST

Withdrawal from the Tournament

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has announced her decision to withdraw from the upcoming FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament, which is set to take place in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16. She cited her 'personal safety and well-being' as the main reasons for this choice amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

A Difficult Yet Necessary Choice

In a statement shared on X, Humpy expressed that her decision was both painful and essential. She emphasized that no event holds more importance than her safety, despite receiving reassurances about the situation. 'After careful consideration, I have decided to step back from the FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament. Personal safety must always come first, and I do not feel secure given the current circumstances,' she stated.

Sharing Her True Feelings

Previously, Humpy had voiced her uncertainty regarding her participation in the tournament. In her post on X, she expressed her gratitude towards her supporters while acknowledging that some might not grasp the gravity of her concerns. 'I realize that I may not be able to effect change alone. Regardless of my participation in the Candidates, I felt it was crucial to share my true feelings. I am thankful to everyone who has supported me. For those who may not understand the sensitivity of this matter, I prefer to leave it at that,' she mentioned.

Details About the Tournament

The FIDE Women's Candidates Tournament features eight players competing in a double round-robin format, where each participant plays against every other player twice. The winner of this tournament will challenge for the chess crown. In the event of a tie after 14 rounds, a playoff will determine the champion.