India Chess Grandmaster Koneru Humpy Withdraws From Candidates Tournament In Cyprus Amid Safety Concerns Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy has confirmed her decision to withdraw from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus, citing safety concerns linked to the ongoing Gulf conflict. The 27-year-old, a two-time World Rapid champion and one of four Indian players set to compete in the event, stated that participating in the tournament amid heightened regional tensions would not be "peaceful." She emphasized that the island's proximity to volatile areas and the presence of military assets made it unsafe for her to travel, particularly as a woman. Humpy’s withdrawal comes after a drone strike on a UK military base in the region raised alarms. She explained that the situation posed significant risks, especially for foreign participants. "You can't play surrounded by warships," she said, referring to the military presence on Cyprus. "If a foreigner like me, and being a woman, has to travel for such an important tournament, how can I play peacefully?" She added that the event’s location, near Lebanon and Israel, further compounded her concerns, noting that the Cyprus president had recently raised issues about the UK base with the European Union. Despite the withdrawal, Humpy stated she is not deterred by potential penalties from the International Chess Federation (FIDE). She dismissed fears that her decision would be financially costly, asserting that she is not playing for monetary gain. "I'm not scared about the penalty," she said. "I'm not playing just for money or monetary benefits. I just enjoy the sport." Humpy revealed she had spent three months preparing for the tournament, sacrificing personal time with her daughter.#india #cyprus #fide #koneru_humpy #candidates_tournament
