Koneru Humpy Exclusive after Candidates pull-out: 'Would FIDE hold tournaments in Kashmir?' India’s top-ranked female chess grandmaster, Koneru Humpy, has withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, citing a "Level 3" travel advisory and escalating regional tensions. The 38-year-old, ranked fifth in the world, made the decision late on Sunday through a post on X, marking a rare public statement from a high-profile athlete prioritizing personal safety over a chance at a World Championship title. The tournament, scheduled to begin on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel in Pegeia, serves as the sole pathway to the Women’s World Championship match. Humpy’s withdrawal has sparked significant concern for India’s prospects in the competition, as she is the runner-up of the 2025 Women’s World Cup. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, she explained the mental and logistical challenges of her decision. “It wasn’t an impulsive choice. I spent several days weighing professional commitments, personal safety, and my ability to perform at my best,” she said. She emphasized the difficulty of balancing chess with the heightened uncertainties of the current geopolitical climate. A central focus of her comments was her critique of FIDE’s choice of Cyprus as the tournament venue. Humpy questioned the organization’s decision to proceed with the event amid a Level 3 travel advisory issued by the U.S. and UK, which warns travelers against visiting Cyprus due to regional tensions and recent drone attacks. “I think decisions like this should consider not just logistics but also how players feel,” she argued. She drew a pointed comparison to Jammu & Kashmir, which is also listed as a Level 3 destination, and questioned whether FIDE’s selection of Cyprus was appropriate.#timesofindia_com #jammu_kashmir #cyprus #konneru_humpy #fide
India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Final: When and Where to Watch India will face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will be played in front of over 100,000 fans at the stadium and millions of viewers worldwide. India aims to become the first team to win the tournament three times and successfully defend the title. The high-stakes encounter follows India’s thrilling seven-run semifinal victory over England, where they overcame a brilliant century from Jacob Bethell. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional death bowling played a crucial role in securing the win. Captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the pressure of the final but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to handle it. “There will definitely be pressure and nerves, especially playing in India and going for the title,” he said. “But the boys and the whole support staff are excited as well.” Yadav also highlighted Bumrah’s performance, calling it “a special bowling performance” that showcased his character and skill. New Zealand, meanwhile, reached the final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa, powered by Finn Allen’s stunning 33-ball century. Allen emphasized his team’s confidence ahead of the final, stating, “We've got a lot of momentum going into the weekend. I think if we play our best cricket, we can beat anybody.” The Black Caps’ top order, including Tim Seifert and Allen, has been in excellent form. Allen praised his opening partner, Seifert, for his outstanding performance in the semifinal. “I just looked to play almost a support role to Tim,” Allen said. “He's in incredible form, he's an incredible player, and I think he's just showing the world what he can do. I think that makes it easy for me to sit back and have the best seat in the house.#ahmedabad #narendra_modi_stadium #jiohotstar #star_sports_network #timesofindia_com
