Koneru Humpy has decided to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. The Indian Grandmaster took the decision citing safety concerns for traveling to the host venue that comes under close proximity of the West Asia region of the ongoing conflict. Humpy announced her decision on her social media page highlights the factor of personal safety over competing in a prestigious event.
The two-time World Rapid champion noted of the importance of the tournament saying that it as a missed opportunity for her but chose her safety over participation.
She wrote, “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.”
Meanwhile, with Humpy out of the picture, India still have other representatives in the event through Divya Deshmukh and Vaishali Rameshbabu.
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky had earlier clarified that no decision has been taken to shift the venue of the event. He stated that the venue, Cyprus, is not under any conflict and is safe to host the event. The organizers are, however, monitoring the situation closely until the event starts.
“Our plans have not changed. We are in the final stages of preparing the Candidates’ Tournament. Of course, we are monitoring the situation. Cyprus is not too far from the conflict zone, but at the same time it is not directly involved in any way and is not in a state of war,” Sutovsky had earlier mentioned.
The 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament which will give the challenger for the World Championship.
Women’s Candidates 2026 Players
Zhu Jiner – 2024-25 WGP 1st
Aleksandra Goryachkina – 2024-25 WGP 2nd
Divya Deshmukh – 2025 Women’s World Cup 1st
Tan Zhongyi – 2025 Women’s World Cup 3rd
Vaishali R – 2025 Grand Swiss 1st
Kateryna Lagno – 2025 Grand Swiss 2nd
Bibisara Assaubayeva – FIDE Women’s Events 2024-25 series 1st
