Koneru Humpy might withdraw from the upcoming Women's Candidates 2026 tournament, which starts at the end of this month in Cyprus. Speaking to The Indian Express recently, Humpy revealed that it depends on the ongoing Gulf conflict situation between the USA, Israel, and Iran.
Koneru Humpy is expected to withdraw from the upcoming Women's Candidates 2026. (HT_PRINT)
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The ongoing conflict has also disrupted international travel and led to the cancellation and postponement of many sports events.
If she decides to withdraw from the tournament, as per regulations, she might be fined around ₹10 lakh. FIDE Regulations 3.5 states, "players who fail to provide a satisfactory reason for withdrawal after they have signed the player’s contract may be imposed a fine of up to ten thousand (10,000) euros."
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Also, if Humpy does pull out, ninth-ranked Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine could replace her. Meanwhile, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh have already confirmed their participation.
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Also, if Humpy does pull out, ninth-ranked Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine could replace her. Meanwhile, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh have already confirmed their participation.
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Meanwhile, Emil Sutovsky informed ChessBase India recently that the tournament would be held in Cyprus and 'plans haven't changed.'
"Plans haven’t changed. We are working in the final stages of preparing for the Candidates, which are supposed to start in two weeks’ time," he said.
"Obviously, we’ve been monitoring the situation and Cyprus is not too far from the war zone or conflict zone. But at the same time, it is not directly involved in any way and it is not in a state of war. There is no emergency situation," he said.
The winner of Women's Candidates 2026 will take on reigning world champion Ju Wenjun. Other than Humpy, Deshmukh and Vaishali, the other participants in the tournament are Zhu Jiner and Aleksandra Goryachkina (top two finishers in the Women's Grand Prix 2024-25), Tan Zhongyi (third-place at the World Cup 2025), Kateryna Lagna (runner-up at Women's Grand Swiss 2025), and Bibisara Assaubayeva (highest place in FIDE Women's Events 2024-25).
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Others/Koneru Humpy Candidates 2026 withdrawal scenario explained: Hefty fine clause and Anna Muzychuk likely replacement
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