New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy remains uncertain about her involvement in the FIDE Candidates Tournament set to occur in Cyprus, highlighting safety apprehensions due to the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. Recent drone strikes and escalating regional tensions have heightened concerns, although FIDE maintains that the location is secure.

The FIDE Candidates Tournaments, scheduled from 28 March to 16 April 2026, will decide the challengers for both the World Championship and Women’s World Championship titles, which are currently held by D Gukesh (men’s) and Ju Wenjun (women’s).

Taking place at the Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort on the western coast of Cyprus, the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament will commence on March 28, featuring over fourteen rounds of classical chess to determine who will progress to vie for the crown in the ultimate phase of the World Championship cycle.

“I recognize that individually, I may not be able to effect change. Yet, whether I participate in the Candidates or not, I deemed it vital to convey my true feelings. I am sincerely thankful to all who have extended their support. For those unable to grasp the delicacy of this situation, I prefer to leave it at that,” Humpy expressed on X.

The 2026 lineup features a blend of seasoned Candidates like Humpy, Tan Zhongyi, Kateryna Lagno, and Aleksandra Goryachkina, alongside emerging talents such as Zhu Jiner, Divya Deshmukh, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Bibisara Assaubayeva, creating a captivating tournament backdrop.

Humpy, one of the most seasoned competitors, boasts multiple past Candidates appearances. A celebrated figure in Indian chess, a former World Championship contender, and a mainstay in the Indian team at Chess Olympiads, she secured her qualification as the runner-up in the 2025 Women’s World Cup in Batumi.

Her only loss was to her fellow teammate Divya in the final, showcasing her sustained competitiveness at the top level. Humpy’s composed and strategic approach, complemented by her deep positional insights, often gives her an advantage in lengthy, technical encounters.

Earlier this week, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky reassured enthusiasts that the 2026 Candidates tournament would proceed as planned in Cyprus, stating that the situation in Iran and its regional implications would be monitored, but it is unlikely to disrupt the premier event.

However, the two-time Women's World Rapid Champion and former women's world title challenger Humpy indicated her reluctance to travel, contemplating withdrawing from the tournament.

This decision follows a drone strike on a British airbase in Cyprus earlier this month, amplifying concerns that the ongoing conflict, initiated by US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, could severely compromise safety on the island.

“I am uncertain (about my participation in the Candidates). It hinges on the circumstances. At present, I am somewhat worried about safety due to the drone attacks and the warships stationed in the Mediterranean. Recently, there have been bombings between Israel and Lebanon involving Hezbollah. Hence, my travel hesitance. If this situation persists, I have serious doubts about my participation,” Humpy informed the media.

“Ultimately, one should be able to compete in a tranquil and conducive environment. Not amid bomb or missile alarms. Such a setting is not suitable for a world-class tournament. There’s no need to feel compelled to conduct events in such conditions,” she concluded.