‘Those Who Don’t Understand the Sensitivity…’: Koneru Humpy Raises Safety Concerns Over Cyprus Candidates

New Delhi — Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has expressed serious reservations about participating in the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in Cyprus, citing safety worries amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

The prestigious tournament, scheduled from March 28 to April 16, will decide the challengers for the World Championship titles currently held by D Gukesh in the open category and Ju Wenjun in the women’s division.

The women’s event is set to take place at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, where eight of the world’s top players will compete across 14 classical rounds. The field features a mix of seasoned contenders like Tan Zhongyi, Kateryna Lagno, and Aleksandra Goryachkina, alongside rising stars such as Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, Zhu Jiner, and Bibisara Assaubayeva.

However, recent developments in the region have left Humpy uneasy. A drone attack on a British airbase in Cyprus and rising hostilities involving Israel and Hezbollah have heightened concerns about security on the island.

“I may not be able to change anything alone, but I felt it was important to say what I genuinely feel,” Humpy shared on X, thanking supporters while adding that she would not elaborate further for those who “don’t understand the sensitivity of the situation.”

Speaking earlier, the two-time Women’s World Rapid Champion admitted she is still undecided about making the trip. She pointed to ongoing drone threats, the presence of warships in the Mediterranean, and continued exchanges of fire in the region as reasons for her hesitation.

“At the end of the day, you should be able to play in a peaceful environment—not one filled with missile or bomb sirens,” she said, questioning the need to host a global event under such circumstances.

Despite the concerns, Emil Sutovsky has reassured that the tournament will proceed as planned, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.

Humpy, one of India’s most accomplished chess players, qualified for the Candidates after finishing runner-up at the 2025 Women’s World Cup in Batumi. Known for her calm, strategic style and vast experience, her potential absence would be a significant blow to the tournament.

With inputs from IANS