Koneru Humpy on withdrawing from FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026: I didn’t have a choice

India’s Koneru Humpy said that she was left with no choice but to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament, scheduled in Cyprus from Saturday.

Having decided to pull out from the eight-player event on Sunday, Humpy stressed that she had exhausted all other options. “After having prepared so hard for the tournament, it was a tough call. I didn’t have a choice, I had to withdraw,” said Humpy, who had safety concerns in the wake of the situation in West Asia, given Cyprus’ proximity to the conflict zone, to Sportstar on Monday.

“If it were held in some safe country, why would I do that (withdraw)?” the Grandmaster asked, adding that the FIDE could have postponed the tournament.

Humpy is unfazed about the possibility of being penalised for skipping the marquee competition. “I am not worried about fines…they don’t stop me from speaking out or expressing what I feel.”

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She said that it wouldn’t be “pleasant” to play an event in West Asia when there is so much happening there. “Many sporting events are getting cancelled. A poker tournament which was supposed to be held in Cyprus from April 25 has been cancelled. So, it makes sense to postpone it (Candidates). Or if you want to hold it on the exact dates, you have to shift to another country.

“The FIDE is the only body which is hosting a tournament now. They are saying that it is safe, that is the problem,” Humpy said. “Actually, I took time so that I could make the right decision because I know it’s a very important tournament. But at the end of the day, it’s important to take care of my family first.”

Published on Mar 23, 2026