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India's top chess GM withdraws from Cyprus tournament amid US-Israel-Iran war
Koneru Humpy's decision was influenced by drone attack on British military base in Cyprus. 'I just didn’t find the idea of playing under such conditions comfortable, she said
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 1:50 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy has officially withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, citing personal safety and wellbeing because of the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war.
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“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,” the Indian chesss grandmaster posted on social media platform X.
R. Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh will represent India in the Women’s Candidates Tournament and Ramesh Praggnanandhaa in the open section.
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Humpy, 38, qualified for the Candidates after finishing runner-up at the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Her withdrawal has resulted in Anna Muzychuk, the Ukrainian chess grandmaster, to take her place.
Her decision was influenced by the drone attack on the British military base in Cyprus. “I just didn’t find the idea of playing under such conditions comfortable, despite all the assurances,” she told the media. “I felt I had to prioritise my well-being and safety. At the end of the day, nobody can give you a full security or a guarantee when anything untoward occurs under such circumstances."
“Cyprus is a beautiful island and I’d love to play there when the situation improves. But to hold such a major tournament when so much is happening around it just doesn’t feel like the right thing to do. I don’t think I’d be in the frame of mind to play when there’s so much uncertainty,” she added.
FIDE had set Sunday night as the deadline for her to take the final decision and Humpy decided not to participate in the event. While she faces a fine of up to €10,000, the FIDE Council will take the final call on the penalty.
Humpy was a leading contender in the tournament and her withdrawal has come as a setback for India.
But tensions in the island have also resulted in others raising concerns about the event. American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, also raised the matter. "It's not a good sign when power goes out completely in parts of Cyprus and doesn't come back for an extended period of time," he said.
FIDE said that in accordance with the regulations, Humpy’s place was offered to the next highest finisher in the Women’s Events series 2024-25. “As a result, Anna Muzychuk (from Ukraine) will join the tournament,” it said.us
