Indian GM Koneru Humpy pulls out of FIDE tournament, cites ‘personal safety’ concerns

NEW DELHI: Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has decided to withdraw from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, citing “personal safety and well-being” as her primary concern amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament begins on March 28 in Cyprus and will run till April 16.

In a post on X, Koneru Humpy announced that she is withdrawing from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, citing concerns for her personal safety and well-being despite assurances, calling it a difficult but necessary decision.

“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,” Humpy wrote on X.

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…

— Koneru Humpy (@humpy_koneru) March 22, 2026

Earlier, Koneru Humpy expressed uncertainty about participating in the tournament and then stated on X that she wanted to share her honest feelings and thanked supporters, while acknowledging that some may not understand the sensitivity of the situation.

“I know that alone, I may not be able to change anything. But regardless of whether I play in the Candidates or not, I felt it was important to express what I genuinely feel. I’m truly grateful to everyone who has shown their support. For those who cannot understand the sensitivity of this situation, I choose to leave it at that,” she had said in an X post.

Notably, the winner of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, an 8-player double round-robin (all-play-all twice), becomes the Challenger for the chess crown. In case of a tie for first place after 14 rounds, the playoff determines the winner. (ANI)