The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has reaffirmed that adequate safety measures are in place for the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, amid growing concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In a statement issued on Wednesday, FIDE said the situation in Cyprus remains stable and that the country continues to function normally. The governing body emphasised that comprehensive security arrangements and contingency plans have been put in place to ensure the safety of all participants, officials and attendees. “Cyprus is a safe country to travel to. There is no emergency situation, and the country continues to operate normally. All necessary measures are in place to ensure a secure, comfortable, and well-organised environment for all participants, media, and guests,” FIDE said. The clarification comes after Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy withdrew from the tournament, citing security concerns. The decision highlighted apprehensions among players regarding the region’s proximity to ongoing geopolitical tensions. FIDE outlines safety, power and contingency measures FIDE addressed multiple concerns through a structured set of responses, emphasising that risks related to infrastructure and …