Indian GM Koneru Humpy criticized the venue of the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 in an interview with The Times Of India. Koneru pointed to the Level 3 Travel Advisory issued, and compared Cyprus to Indian cities with the same level of risk.

Koneru Humpy

Koneru Humpy

Indian GM

“I think decisions like this should take into account not just logistics, but also how players feel.

Level 3 Travel Advisory issued by the US and UK Department of State urging travelers to reconsider travel to Cyprus in light of the ongoing tensions and the recent drone attack. I don’t feel this can be a sporting venue for such a world-class tournament.

If they feel Cyprus a good location, they should also conduct tournaments in places like Jammu & Kashmir, which is also considered as Level 3. We do have beautiful locations, lavish resorts, hotels… is that what we need for a chess tournament?”

US Department of State Travel Advisories are a four-level system rating the safety of international destinations:

  • Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
  • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
  • Level 3: Reconsider Travel
  • Level 4: Do Not Travel

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. Indian GM Koneru Humpy (2535) withdrew from the tournament on March 22, Ukrainian GM Anna Muzychuk (2522) will play instead. Public concerns about holding the tournament appeared following the start of the US-Israel war with Iran on February 28.

Credit: Anna Shtourman / FIDE