Koneru Humpy raises safety concerns over Cyprus chess event
HYDERABAD: India chess player Koneru Humpy has criticised the International Chess Federation over hosting the prestigious Women’s Candidates tournament in Cyprus amid regional tensions. She withdrew from the event scheduled to begin on March 28, citing safety concerns.
Safety fears rise as regional tensions shadow tournament venue
Humpy said she remained firm on her decision after considering personal security. She questioned how she could travel to an island nation surrounded by warships and located about 20 minutes by flight from Lebanon.
“How can I, as a woman and a mother, go there? How can I play peacefully amid bomb sirens?” she said.
She recalled reports of drone attacks near a British air base and noted that the Cyprus President had expressed security concerns to the European Union. She also referred to Level-3 travel advisories issued by countries such as the United States and Britain against visiting Cyprus.
Humpy says safe environment matters more than scenic venues
Humpy said she had prepared for the tournament for three months, sacrificing time with her daughter, and felt distressed about missing such an important event. She said the decision came after sleepless nights spent worrying about safety.
She added that organisers could have postponed the tournament by a month or shifted the venue. “FIDE says there are beautiful resorts there. India also has many such places. Will tournaments be held in Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow? Scenic resorts alone are not enough; players need a pleasant and safe environment,” she said.
Humpy said she was not worried about a possible fine of about ₹9 lakh for withdrawing. United States chess player Hikaru Nakamura also raised doubts about safety in Cyprus. FIDE later announced that Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk would replace Humpy in the tournament.
