Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy is considering opting out of the upcoming Women’s Candidates 2026. The two-time world champion cites safety concerns. The tournament will be held alongside the Candidates Tournament from March 28 to April in Cyprus, a country which is part of the Middle East.
The Indian Grandmaster is part of the eight-player group in the tournament. During an interview, Humpy expressed her concerns over travel safety in West Asia and the uncertainty she might face. She has addressed this issue to the chess organising body, FIDE, citing safety in Cyprus.
“It just doesn’t make any sense. It’s dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there’s so much tension and uncertainty. The war started around a fortnight ago, it’s still ongoing and the tournament is less than two weeks away. I don’t think any official body would dare host an event in the region at this point,” Koneru said.
After hearing Humpy’s pleas, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky has confirmed that Cyprus is not involved or connected with the ongoing conflict. Sutovsky also clarified that there are no plans or discussions on the venue and it remains unchanged for now.
“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 said.
Cyprus were approved as a host for the FIDE Candidates 2026 last year in November. Besides Humpy, Indian chess grandmasters Divya Deshmukh and Vaishali Rameshbabu will be part of the event.
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
Humpy Koneru – 2025 Women’s World Cup 2nd
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
