NEW DELHI
India’s premier chess talent, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, has officially pulled out of the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Citing serious concerns for her personal safety, Humpy decided to skip the event just days before its March 28 start in Cyprus.
The tournament is a major milestone where eight elite players compete for a chance at the world title. However, Humpy expressed that the current tensions in West Asia made her feel insecure. Despite receiving safety guarantees from the organizers, she felt the environment was too risky for a world-class competition. “No event is more important than personal well-being,” she shared on social media, describing her choice as both painful and necessary.
Humpy’s departure is a significant blow to India’s hopes, as she has long been a top contender on the global stage. Following her exit, FIDE announced that Ukrainian Grandmaster Anna Muzychuk will step in to fill the vacancy. While other players like Hikaru Nakamura have also raised concerns about local infrastructure and power outages, Humpy is the only participant to withdraw so far.
India will still be represented in the women’s category by Vaishali Rameshbabu and Divya Deshmukh. While fans are disappointed to miss Humpy’s calm and steady play, many have voiced their support for her brave decision to prioritize her health and peace of mind over a trophy.
Top Indian Chess Star withdraws over safety
