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

Koneru Humpy's Withdrawal from Tournament

New Delhi, March 23: Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has announced her decision to withdraw from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, prioritizing her "personal safety and well-being" amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The tournament is set to take place in Cyprus from March 28 to April 16.

In a statement shared on X, Humpy expressed that her choice to step back from the tournament was driven by concerns for her safety, despite receiving reassurances. She described this as a challenging yet essential decision.

“After careful consideration, I have made the tough choice to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. No event, regardless of its significance, can take precedence over personal safety and well-being. Although reassurances were given, I do not feel entirely secure given the current situation. This is a painful but necessary choice, and I stand by it,” she wrote on X.

Previously, Humpy had voiced her uncertainty about participating in the tournament and later took to X to share her genuine feelings, thanking her supporters while recognizing that some may not grasp the gravity of the situation.

“I understand that alone, I may not be able to effect change. However, whether I compete in the Candidates or not, I felt it was crucial to convey my true feelings. I am sincerely thankful to everyone who has supported me. For those who may not appreciate the sensitivity of this matter, I prefer to leave it at that,” she stated in her post.

It is important to note that the winner of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, which features an 8-player double round-robin format, will become the Challenger for the chess championship. In the event of a tie for first place after 14 rounds, a playoff will determine the victor.