FIDE CEO Confirms Candidates Tournament Will Proceed as Scheduled in Paphos, Featuring Four Indian GMs
FIDE CEO Confirms Candidates Tournament Will Proceed as Planned in Paphos
Last Updated: March 16, 2026, 11:13 IST
In a reassuring announcement, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky confirmed that the highly anticipated Candidates Tournament will take place as scheduled in Paphos, Cyprus, despite recent regional tensions. The tournament, which is set to begin in just two weeks, will be hosted at the luxurious Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort, a five-star venue overlooking the Mediterranean.
Sutovsky’s statement comes in the wake of a drone strike on a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus, attributed to the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. This incident raised concerns about safety in the region, particularly given Cyprus’s proximity to ongoing conflicts involving Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. However, Sutovsky emphasized that Cyprus remains stable and is not currently in a state of war.
“Plans have not changed. We are in the final stages of preparing for the Candidates, which are supposed to start in two weeks,” Sutovsky stated in an interview with Chessbase India. “While we are monitoring the situation closely, Cyprus isn’t involved in any conflict, and there is no emergency.”
Among the 16 elite players competing in the tournament, four Indian grandmasters will showcase their skills. Rising star R Praggnanandhaa will aim to secure his place as the challenger to fellow Indian GM D Gukesh. Meanwhile, the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament will feature Indian talents Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, and Divya Deshmukh, all vying for the chance to face Ju Wenjun in the Women’s World Championship.
The tournament is not only a critical event for determining future world champions but also a platform for showcasing the resilience of the chess community amid geopolitical challenges. The opening ceremony is expected to be attended by the President of Cyprus on March 28, marking a significant occasion for both the sport and the host nation.
As the chess world gears up for this prestigious event, players and fans alike are hopeful for a thrilling competition that transcends current events, uniting enthusiasts through the timeless game of chess.