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

Koneru Humpy's Withdrawal from the Tournament

On Sunday, Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy announced her decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, citing worries about her personal safety amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, despite reassurances from the event organizers.

The tournament, which will determine the challengers for the world championship titles currently held by D Gukesh (men) and Ju Wenjun (women), is set to commence in Paphos, Cyprus on March 28.

Humpy, a former world champion, expressed that while the choice was challenging, it was essential given the current situation.

In a statement shared on ‘X’, she remarked, “After careful consideration, I have made the tough decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.”

She emphasized, “No event, regardless of its significance, can take precedence over personal safety and well-being. Despite the guarantees offered, I do not feel entirely secure in the present circumstances.”

Humpy described her decision as painful yet necessary, affirming her stance.

Her exit is a significant loss for India, as she was considered one of the top contenders in the tournament aimed at identifying the challenger for the women’s world championship title.

Earlier this week, Humpy had expressed her reluctance to travel and was contemplating her withdrawal from the event.

This hesitation followed a drone attack on a British air base in Cyprus earlier this month, which heightened concerns that the ongoing conflict, initiated by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, could jeopardize security on the island.

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