Indian Grandmaster Humpy Koneru officially withdrew from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament on March 22, 2026, citing safety concerns in Cyprus during the current ongoing tensions in the Middle East region affecting travel security. In a post shared on X, she pointed out the risks of playing near a conflict zone.
However, FIDE has stated that Cyprus remains a safe venue and no official relocation plans are happening. This withdrawal affects the competitive balance of the world championship qualifying event just days before it starts on March 28 in Pegeia, Cyprus. FIDE immediately invited Ukrainian star Anna Muzychuk to take Humpy’s spot in the competition.
Why Humpy Koneru Withdrew From the tournament
The 39-year-old Indian chess star shared her decision on social media on Sunday. She explained that personal safety must come before any competition. She pointed out the ongoing war in the Middle East and how it affects Cyprus. This is why she decided to skip the event despite working for two years to qualify for it.
The Indian Chess star told reporters that she could not focus on chess while worrying about her safety. She noted that even a beautiful place like Cyprus feels dangerous when a war happens nearby. Furthermore, she mentioned that no one can truly guarantee perfect safety during a conflict. This move makes her the first and only player to withdraw from the 2026 Candidates so far.
Who Replaced Koneru Humpy In The Tournament
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) followed Article 2.2 of the Tournament Regulations to find a replacement. Since Humpy withdrew from the tournament, FIDE offered her place to the next highest finisher from the Women’s Events Series 2024-25. Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk agreed to participate and will now compete in the eight-player tournament.
According to Article 4.5.3 of the tournament rules, the pairings for the tournament will not be changed. The Chief Arbiter will play the Ukrainian star into Humpy’s spot on the initial schedule. This ensures the tournament remains on track for its scheduled start at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort.
Tournament Data and Key Details
| Tournament | FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026 |
| Location | Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, Pegeia, Cyprus |
| Event Dates | March 28 to April 16 |
| Withdrawn Player | Humpy Koneru (India) |
| Replacement Player | Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) |
| Reason for Exit | Safety concerns regarding the West Asia conflict |
| Remaining Indians | Vaishali R and Divya Deshmukh |
Source: FIDE official announcements and tournament regulations
Growing Concerns Among Other Players
Humpy Koneru, world number eight, is not the only player worried about the venue in Cyprus. World number two Hikaru Nakamura also voiced concerns about holding the event in Cyprus.
“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,” wrote Hikaru on X (@GMHikaru) on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a tech billionaire, Wadim Rosenstein, offered a solution. He told FIDE he would host the Candidates in Germany for free to ensure everyone’s safety. However, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky rejected the proposal. He stated that plans remain unchanged and that Cyprus is not directly involved in the war.
Humpy Koneru’s Road to Qualification
The two-time Women’s World Rapid Champion earned her spot through a series of difficult matches in 2025. During the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, she faced a tough 2-3 score against Lei Tingjie. She won three straight games to finish 5-3 and reach the final.
The Indian national took the bronze at the World Rapid Championship in Doha. She defeated top players like Sara Khadem and Bibisara Assaubayeva. These performances proved she was a favorite to win. But unfortunately, she will watch the games from home and not be a competitor.
What This Means for India
Team India stands strong despite Humpy’s withdrawal. Divya Deshmukh and Vaishali R will represent the country in the women’s section. In the Open section, R Praggnanandhaa will carry the Indian flag after winning the 2025 FIDE Circuit.
Humpy predicted that China’s Zhu Jiner might win the women’s tournament now that she is out. She admitted the decision to quit was painful but necessary for her peace of mind.
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