Video: Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev refuses to shake hands with Indian Grandmaster

A notable incident occurred during the Tata Steel Chess Tournament when Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev refused to shake hands with Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

The event unfolded when Yakubboev approached the table for his match against Vaishali. As the Indian Grandmaster extended her hand for a handshake, Yakubboev declined with a gesture, which was captured on video and quickly went viral online.

Following the video's circulation, Yakubboev faced criticism for his actions. Addressing the controversy, he posted a detailed clarification on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter).

He wrote, "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.   I respect Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behaviour, I apologize. I have some additional explanations. Chess is not haram. "

"What I did before (referring to the game with Divya in 2023 and cases like that) I consider it wrong for me. 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," he further stated.