Indian GM Koneru Humpy announced her withdrawal from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 in an X post on March 22. Koneru cited personal security concerns as the reason for the withdrawal, and described the decision as necessary.

Koneru Humpy

Koneru Humpy

Indian GM

“After deep reflection, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.

No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances.

This is a painful but necessary decision, and I stand by it.”

FIDE regulations state that in case of a replacement, the spot goes to the next highest-ranked player from the “FIDE Women’s Events 2024–2025” series who has not yet qualified. Koneru Humpy’s spot will be taken by Ukrainian GM Anna Muzychuk, 9th in the ranking.

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. WR Chess CEO Wadim Rosenstein published a proposal to FIDE to relocate the 2026 Candidates Tournament from Cyprus to Germany on March 19.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE