NEW DELHI: Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev‘s decision not to shake hands with Indian GM R Vaishali sparked controversy at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. The Uzbek player later issued an apology, clarifying that his action was due to “religious reasons” and was not meant to disrespect her.
In a video shared by ChessBase India on social media, Vaishali is seen extending her hand before their fourth-round match, but Yakubboev sits down without reciprocating, leaving the Indian visibly uncomfortable.
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Yakubboev, 23, who became a GM in 2019, lost the match and currently has three points after eight rounds in the Challengers’ section.
After the video went viral, Yakubboev posted a detailed response on ‘X,’ stating, “I want to explain the situation that happened in the game with Vaishali. With all due respect to women and Indian chess players, I want to inform everyone that I do not touch other women for religious reasons.”
“I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behavior, I apologise,” he added. “I do what I need to do. I do not insist others not to shake hands with the opposite gender or for women to wear hijab or burqa. It is their business what to do.”
Yakubboev, a practicing Muslim, noted that he did not have an opportunity to inform Vaishali about his beliefs before their game.
Vaishali did not extend her hand again after defeating Yakubboev. She currently has four points after eight rounds, with five more to play.
To prevent further misunderstandings, Yakubboev said he informed Romania’s Irina Bulmaga about his beliefs ahead of their eighth-round match. “Today (Sunday), I told Irina Bulmaga about it. She agreed to it. But when I came to the playing hall, the arbiters told me that I should at least do Namaste as a gesture. In the games with Divya and Vaishali, I couldn’t tell them about it before the game, and there was an awkward situation,” he explained.
Another Uzbek player, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, is competing in the ‘Open’ section of the tournament.