Uzbek GM Yakubboev apologises for not shaking hands with India's Vaishali at Tata Steel Chess Tournament

A moment of controversy unfolded at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament when Uzbek Grandmaster (GM) Nodirbek Yakubboev declined to shake hands with Indian GM R Vaishali before their fourth-round match. The incident, captured in a viral video shared by ChessBase India, showed Vaishali extending her hand, only for Yakubboev to sit down without responding, leaving the Indian player visibly awkward.

A renowned Uzbek chess Grandmaster, Nodirbek, refused to shake hands with India's Women's Grandmaster Vaishali.

Does religion influence sports? However, he was seen shaking hands with other female players earlier. pic.twitter.com/fGR61wvwUP

— Ayushh (@ayushh_it_is) January 27, 2025

Yakubboev, 23, later apologised in a lengthy post on X, explaining his actions were due to his religious beliefs. "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," wrote Yakubboev, who is a practising Muslim.

Dear chess friends,
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.#chess #fide #islam@ChessbaseIndia @Uzchesss

— Nodirbek Yakubboev (@NodirbekYakubb1) January 26, 2025

He also expressed admiration for Vaishali and her brother, Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa. "I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behaviour, I apologise," he added.

The controversy gained further attention after Vaishali did not offer her hand following her victory over Yakubboev in the match. Vaishali now stands on four points after eight rounds in the Challengers' section, while Yakubboev has three points.

To avoid future misunderstandings, Yakubboev informed Romanian player Irina Bulmaga about his religious beliefs before their eighth-round game, which reportedly prevented any awkwardness. "The arbiters suggested I at least perform a Namaste as a gesture of respect," Yakubboev shared.

The incident has sparked conversations about cultural and religious sensitivities in competitive sports, highlighting the importance of communication and mutual respect among players. Yakubboev remains committed to the tournament, alongside fellow Uzbek player Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who is competing in the Open section.