Father of Indian GM Divya Deshmukh, Dr. Jitendra Deshmukh, stated that his daughter will go to the Candidates 2026 in Cyprus. Jitendra notes that they are prepared to reconsider their participation if a threat arises.

Dr. Jitendra Deshmukh

Dr. Jitendra Deshmukh

Divya Deshmukh's father

“As of today, we have decided that Divya will play in the Candidates. But we don’t know what could happen in the future.

The situation is changing every day. If something changes, we’ll review the decision to play.”

The FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 will take place from March 28 to April 16 at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus. Public concerns about holding the tournament appeared following the start of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28. Deshmukh’s compatriot Koneru Humpy stated she might withdraw from the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Credit: Anna Shtourman / FIDE