Koneru Humpy Considers Exiting FIDE Candidates Tournament Amid Safety Concerns Over Ongoing Conflict
Koneru Humpy May Withdraw from FIDE Candidates Tournament Amid Safety Concerns
Last Updated: March 16, 2026, 11:46 IST
World chess championship runner-up Koneru Humpy is contemplating withdrawing from the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament in Cyprus due to escalating safety concerns linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Originally selected as the host for the tournament last November, Cyprus has seen a shift in circumstances following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. The situation intensified when a British air base on the island was targeted by a drone on March 1, raising alarms about the safety of participants.
With European warships and Turkish fighter jets now patrolling the Mediterranean, questions loom over whether Cyprus is a suitable venue for an event that will determine the next challenger for the World Chess Championship.
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky acknowledged the situation, stating, “Our plans haven’t changed. We are in the final stages of preparing the Candidates’ Tournament. Of course, we are monitoring the situation. Cyprus isn’t too far from the conflict zone, but at the same time, it’s not involved in any way and isn’t in a state of war.” He added that while there were concerns about recent events, the situation has since calmed.
However, Humpy, one of three Indian players in the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament alongside Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali, expressed her apprehension. “It just does not make any sense. It is dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there is so much tension and uncertainty,” she told The Hindustan Times.
With the tournament less than two weeks away, Humpy questioned the decision to proceed under such precarious conditions. “From an organisational point of view, it is just not the right call. It is one of the most crucial tournaments, and with only 16 top players to consider, why not look at alternatives and different dates?” she urged.
As the chess community awaits further developments, the safety of players remains a pressing concern, casting a shadow over what should be a celebration of the sport.