Why Koneru Humpy might end up skipping the Women’s Candidates tournament later this month

Koneru Humpy, a renowned Indian chess player, has expressed concerns about participating in the Women's Candidates tournament in Cyprus later this month. The tournament is scheduled to take place in a luxury resort in Cyprus, but Humpy is hesitant to travel to the country due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.Humpy believes that the risk of competing in a country close to nations actively involved in the war is too high. She points out that Cyprus is not too far away from countries like Lebanon and Israel, which are actively involved in the conflict. The host country, Cyprus, is located in the Mediterranean Sea, near countries such as Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.Humpy is not the only one who has expressed concerns about the tournament. The FIDE CEO, Emil Sutovsky, has confirmed that the tournament will go ahead as planned, but Humpy is still unsure about her participation. She understands that the drone attack at the RAF base might be a one-off incident, but she is hesitant to roll the dice in the middle of a war where countries can get trigger-happy.Humpy's concerns are valid, and it's essential to consider the safety of the players. The tournament should be held in a peaceful and safe environment, not surrounded by bomb or missile sirens. It's a pity that FIDE has stuck with the venue despite the risks involved.The situation is uncertain, and it's unclear whether Humpy will participate in the tournament. However, it's essential to prioritize the safety of the players and consider alternative venues for the tournament.Importance for Students:This news is important for students who are interested in chess and follow the careers of top players like Koneru Humpy. It highlights the challenges that players face in competing in international tournaments and the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being.Category: Sports, ChessMetaTitle: Koneru Humpy might skip Women's Candidates tournament due to war in Middle EastMetaDescription: Indian chess player Koneru Humpy expresses concerns about participating in the Women's Candidates tournament in Cyprus due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.Keywords: Koneru Humpy, Women's Candidates tournament, Cyprus, war in Middle East, chess, sportspubDateISO: 2026-03-16sourceName: The Indian Express