Exclusive after Humpy candidate withdraws: ‘Will FIDE hold tournament in Kashmir?’

New Delhi: Veteran Indian grandmaster (GM) and world number five Koneru Humpy has now officially withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Championship in Cyprus, a move that has shocked the global chess world. The 38-year-old made the decision via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday night, citing “Level 3” travel advice and rising tensions in the Middle East, a rare sight of a world-class athlete putting his personal safety ahead of a direct shot at a world title.

The competition is scheduled to start on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel in Pegia and is the only way to enter the Women’s World Championship. While India still has the strength of R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh in the competition, the absence of 2025 World Cup runners-up Humpy is seen as a huge blow to the country’s title hopes.In an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com, Hampi spoke of the “grieving” mental toll of the decision, the potential fines, and her sharp criticism of FIDE’s venue choice.

‘It was not an impulsive decision’: Hampy

For Hampy, the road to addiction recovery was paved with sleepless nights.“This was not an impulsive decision. I spent a few days thinking about various aspects such as professional commitments, personal security and my ability to perform at my best,” Hampi told TimesofIndia.com. “Given the current uncertainty and the overall situation, I feel that I will not be able to compete with the focus and composure that this type of event requires.”She admits this phase is mentally exhausting. “As a professional athlete, you train for years for an opportunity like this. Mentally it was challenging because I had to weigh factors outside of chess,” she added.Also read: ‘Motherhood is not a responsibility’: How India’s No.1 Koneru Hampi balances chess and family

Kashmir comparison

Perhaps the most striking part of Hampi’s stance is her criticism of Cyprus as a host country to regional conflicts. Noting that the United States and the United Kingdom have issued level three warnings urging travelers to reconsider travel due to regional tensions and recent drone activity, Hampi questioned FIDE’s lack of flexibility.“I think decisions like this should take into account not only logistics but also how players feel,” she said. “Given the ongoing tensions and recent drone strikes, the US and UK State Departments have issued a level 3 travel warning urging travelers to reconsider travel to Cyprus, which I do not believe would be a suitable sports venue for such a world-class championship.”In a pointed comparison, she added: “If they feel [Cyprus] Yes, they should also host tournaments in places like Jammu and Kashmir, which are also considered Tier III. We do have beautiful locations, luxury resorts, hotels… Is this the chess tournament we need?Hampi believes that while the venue may have been fine when it was first announced, the changing geopolitical landscape requires a shift in FIDE’s strategy. “Of course, when they announce the match, there is no problem. (But) they have to change it according to the situation. They should publicly ask the players to share their opinions after the war starts,” she asserted.

Financial impact of withdrawal

According to FIDE regulations, withdrawal without “satisfactory reasons” may result in a fine of up to €10,000 (approximately Rs. 10 lakh). While the chess community debates whether security concerns constitute a “satisfactory” excuse, Hampi remains unfazed by the financial threat.“My main concern at this stage is making a decision that I can stick with. Issues like fines or penalties are secondary… but I’m prepared to deal with whatever happens,” she said.

Movement costs of exit

Missing out on this Candidates Tournament meant that Humpy’s dream of becoming the Women’s World Champion was effectively postponed for several years. It’s a shocking price to pay for a veteran in the twilight of a storied career.“It’s a huge cost, there’s no denying that,” Hampi admits. “But not everything can only be measured in titles. If the conditions aren’t right to compete at your true level, there’s not much point in being there.”Hampi isn’t alone in his concerns. After Hampi’s decision, American guru Hikaru Nakamura highlighted the instability in the region, writing on Additionally, the United States Chess Federation recently banned the Colombian Pan American Youth Team delegation due to a similar Level 3 warning, reflecting Humpy’s cautious approach.While Hampi stayed behind, other members of the Indian contingent, R Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh were reportedly continuing with their travel plans.Hampi expressed his gratitude to the fans who felt it was a setback: “I understand their disappointment… Representing India is always a matter of pride for me. This decision was not taken lightly and I hope the fans can understand the situation.”