Top Indian Grandmaster Konero Hampi has announced his decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates tournament, citing personal safety and well-being as his primary concern. The tournament, which starts on March 28 at the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Pegeia, Cyprus, is the only way to match the women’s world championship.
Conroe Hampi Post
Taking X on Sunday, Hampi wrote, “After deep thought, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. No event, however important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel completely safe under the current circumstances. This is a painful and necessary decision.” The 38-year-old veteran, who qualified for the 2025 Women’s World Cup after finishing runners-up, has previously expressed concerns about the trip amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. While his withdrawal will allow the next eligible player, Anna Muzyczak, to take his place, it could have wider implications for Indian chess, both in terms of representation and possible financial penalties. FIDE regulations allow fines of up to €10,000 if a player withdraws without satisfactory reason, although the final decision rests with the FIDE Council. With Hampi withdrawing, India will still be represented in the women’s category by R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, while R Praganandha will lead the country in the open section. The Hampi decision highlights the delicate balance elite athletes face between competitive ambition and personal security in uncertain times.
