Indian Chess Trio Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and R Praggnanandhaa Forge Ahead for Candidates Tournament Amid Regional Tensions
Even as concerns mount over Grandmaster Koneru Humpy's potential withdrawal from the upcoming Candidates chess tournament in Cyprus due to the Iran-Israel conflict, India's next-generation chess stars—Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and R Praggnanandhaa—are steadfastly proceeding with their participation plans. The prestigious event, scheduled to commence later this month, serves as the sole gateway to the World Chess Championship, making it a critical milestone for these young talents.
Confirmation Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
Sources close to the players have confirmed to TimesofIndia.com that all three Indian contenders are actively preparing for the tournament, despite the volatile geopolitical situation in West Asia. A representative from Divya Deshmukh's camp stated, "As of now, we have decided that Divya will go and play. As these things develop, we will monitor the situation and decide afterwards. But at this moment, she will play." The team is currently finalizing travel and accommodation arrangements, underscoring their commitment.
Similarly, R Vaishali and R Praggnanandhaa are moving forward with their participation. RB Ramesh, the long-time mentor to both siblings, clarified, "Have they told publicly that they are not playing? Since Koneru Humpy is potentially not playing, it doesn't mean that Pragg and Vaishali are not playing. It means only Koneru Humpy is not playing." He emphasized respecting individual decisions, noting that Humpy's choice should not influence others.
Koneru Humpy's Hesitation and Security Concerns
Earlier this week, Koneru Humpy expressed reservations about competing in Cyprus, citing safety risks amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war. In an interview with Hindustan Times, she remarked, "It just does not make any sense. It is dangerous to travel anywhere near West Asia at this point when there is so much tension and uncertainty. The war started around a fortnight ago, it is still ongoing, and the tournament is less than two weeks away." Her concerns were amplified by a recent drone strike on a British air base in Cyprus on March 1, raising questions about the island's security as a host venue.
However, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky provided reassurance, stating to ChessBase India, "Our plans haven’t changed. We are in the final stages of preparing the Candidates’ Tournament. Of course, we are monitoring the situation. Cyprus isn’t too far from, let us say, the war zone or conflict zone, but at the same time, it’s not involved in any way and isn’t in a state of war." He added that the situation has calmed since initial worries, with no current emergencies.
Road to Qualification and Indian Chess Ambitions
The Indian trio's journey to the Candidates highlights their remarkable achievements. Divya Deshmukh, aged 20, secured her spot by winning the FIDE Women's World Cup in 2025 in Batumi, defeating Koneru Humpy in a tiebreak to become the first Indian woman to claim the title. This victory also earned her the Grandmaster title, making her India's fourth female GM.
R Praggnanandhaa qualified for the open section by topping the 2025 FIDE Circuit, while his elder sister R Vaishali earned her place through a triumphant defense of the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss title in Samarkand. Vaishali's qualification followed a challenging period after a disastrous run at the Chennai Grand Masters Challengers, where she suffered seven consecutive losses. Encouraged by coach RB Ramesh, mentor Karthikeyan Murali, and her brother, she persevered to secure her Candidates berth.
Reigning world champion D Gukesh has expressed enthusiasm for a potential all-Indian World Championship clash, telling ChessBase India, "Personally, I would like to face Pragg. It would be an Indian clash, and it would be great for the Indian fans." This underscores the high stakes for Praggnanandhaa and his peers, as skipping the Candidates could jeopardize their championship aspirations.
With the tournament fast approaching, the determination of Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and R Praggnanandhaa to compete reflects their resilience and focus on chess excellence, even amid global tensions. Their participation not only highlights India's growing dominance in the sport but also sets the stage for potential historic achievements on the world stage.
