New Delhi: Top Indian Grandmaster (GM) Konero Hampi has pulled out of the 2026 Women’s Candidates tournament in Cyprus, saying she did not feel it was safe to travel for the event. His decision has drawn criticism, particularly from the Cyprus Chess Federation.Hampi made her position clear as she wrote on X, “After deep thought, I have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. No event, no matter how important, cannot come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel completely safe under the current circumstances. But it is a painful and necessary decision.”The tournament, which starts on March 28, is a major event and the only way to qualify for the Women’s World Championship match. Hampi qualified for the 2025 Women’s World Cup after finishing runners-up. However, concerns related to regional tensions reportedly influenced his choice.
Strong reaction from the organizers
His resignation did not go down well with Cyprus Chess Federation president Cretan Tournaritis, who publicly criticized his comments. Taking the matter to X, he said, “As the president of the Cyprus Chess Federation, I am sincerely disappointed by Konero Hampi’s decision to withdraw, citing that Cyprus is ‘not safe.’He strongly refuted her claims, adding, “The 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament is one of the biggest and most important chess events in the world. It is completely wrong. Spreading unfounded fears hurts the game and shows a lack of respect for the organizers and players. It was a bad move, not out of fear or misinformation.“After Hampi’s exit, Ukraine’s Anna Mozychak will replace her, as already confirmed by FIDE. If the reason is not accepted there may be consequences, including possible penalties under FIDE rules. Despite their absence, India will still be represented in the women’s tournament by R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh. R Praganandha will be India’s sole flag bearer in the open category.
