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Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Koneru Humpy expressed disappointment at having to miss a major tournament but blamed FIDE for not listening to her concerns.
Koneru Humpy had requested FIDE to reschedule the tournament. (PTI/File Photo)
Koneru Humpy says she prioritised her well-being over potential monetary loss after officially withdrawing from the upcoming FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, scheduled to begin in Pegeia, Cyprus, on March 28. The decision, confirmed late Sunday, comes amid ongoing conflict in West Asia – a situation Humpy says has made travel and competition conditions unsafe.
Koneru, ranked fifth in the world, was one of the leading contenders in the tournament that determines the women’s world championship challenger for GM Ju Wenjun.
Speaking exclusively to CNN‑News18the former world rapid champion criticised FIDE for undermining years of her hard work, after the chess governing body refused to reschedule the all-important event.
“I don’t think it makes sense to risk yourself to play one tournament,” Humpy told CNN‑News18. “My years of hard work, dedication, and training have gone in vain. This was a hard decision, but I kept waiting for the tournament to be rescheduled, and when that didn’t happen, I had to make the right choice.”
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory to “reconsider travel” to Cyprus due to the tensions. A similar Level 3 Advisory led to the U.S. Chess Federation cancelling its participation in the 2026 Pan-American Youth Championship in Antioquia, Colombia.
Humpy added that she is not alone in her concerns over player safety under the current circumstances.
“Many other players have expressed similar concerns, but despite that, the tournament is proceeding. I cannot take part in an event that does not ensure the safety of its players,” she said.
FIDE officially confirmed Humpy’s withdrawal on Sunday and announced that Ukrainian grandmaster Anna Muzychuk will take her place.
While there has been no official statement on whether FIDE will penalise the Indian star, the rulebook states that a player who withdraws from the Candidates Tournament without providing a “satisfactory reason” could face a fine of up to €10,000 (approximately Rs 10 lakh).
Humpy acknowledged that other participants share her fears but have been discouraged from taking similar action due to the potential financial penalty.
“I am aware of the fine, which is nearly ₹11 lakh, but if I focus solely on monetary considerations, I would not be able to make the right decision,” Humpy said.
“Other players are afraid, but because the fine is so high, not everyone can take a similar step,” she added.
Koneru remains the only participant in the Candidates to publicly express concerns about safety in Cyprus although American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura highlighted potential problems that could arise noting ‘extended’ power outages in the island nation.
March 23, 2026, 11:13 IST
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