Koneru Humpy Challenges FIDE on Tournament Venues Amid Safety Concerns

Koneru Humpy's Withdrawal from Candidates 2026

Koneru Humpy has decided to withdraw from the Candidates Tournament 2026, citing safety issues related to the venue. She has posed a question to FIDE regarding the possibility of hosting tournaments in Jammu and Kashmir, which shares a similar travel advisory status as Cyprus according to the US and UK Department of State. Humpy firmly stated her stance on not participating in the tournament in Cyprus, emphasizing that playing in an environment surrounded by military presence is not conducive to a peaceful competition. She expressed that she is not intimidated by potential penalties and is not motivated by financial gain.

"Playing in an area guarded by warships is not feasible for me. As a foreign woman, traveling for such a significant tournament under these conditions raises serious concerns about my safety," she remarked in an interview.

In a conversation with a media outlet, Humpy elaborated, "This decision was not made lightly. I took several days to evaluate my professional obligations, personal safety, and my capacity to perform optimally. Given the current uncertainties, I realized that I would struggle to maintain the focus and tranquility required for such a prestigious event."

She also criticized FIDE's decision-making process, stating, "Factors beyond logistics should be considered, including the players' sentiments. With the Level 3 Travel Advisory in place due to ongoing tensions and recent incidents, I believe Cyprus is not suitable for a world-class chess tournament."

Humpy further challenged FIDE by suggesting, "If they believe Cyprus is appropriate, then they should also consider hosting events in Jammu and Kashmir, which is similarly classified. We have stunning locations and luxurious accommodations that could serve as excellent venues for chess tournaments."

In response, FIDE has firmly dismissed the notion of relocating the tournament, asserting that there are no significant dangers that would justify such a change.