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Uzbek Grandmaster Clarifies Refusal to Shake Hands with Vaishali Rameshbabu, Cites Religious Beliefs

Uzbek Grandmaster

In a controversy that has sparked discussions in the chess world, Uzbekistan Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev has explained his decision not to shake hands with Indian chess player Vaishali Rameshbabu during the ongoing Tata Steel Chess Tournament.

Yakubboev, who is currently tied for the tournament lead with World Champion D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, cited his religious beliefs as the reason for his actions. The incident occurred during the fourth round of the Challengers’ Section, where Yakubboev arrived late to his game against Vaishali.

Upon arrival, he declined the traditional handshake, leaving Vaishali visibly confused. Despite the awkward start, Vaishali outplayed Yakubboev tactically, capitalizing on his missteps and securing a decisive victory.

Following the game, Yakubboev again refrained from any post-match interaction, prompting criticism from fans and fellow players, some accusing him of sexist or disrespectful behavior.

Responding to the backlash, Yakubboev issued a public statement on social media platform X, clarifying his position. "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," he wrote.

Yakubboev emphasized that his actions were guided by his Islamic faith and were not intended to offend. He expressed respect for Vaishali and her brother, Praggnanandhaa, who are among India’s top chess talents. “If I have offended her with my behavior, I apologize,” he added.

In his explanation, Yakubboev acknowledged previous instances where he had acted differently, referring to a handshake with Indian player Divya Deshmukh in 2023, which he now considers a mistake.

He also mentioned that he informed another player, Irina Bulmaga, about his religious practice before their game to avoid any misunderstandings. However, he admitted that a lack of prior communication with Vaishali led to the uncomfortable situation.

Tournament arbiters reportedly advised Yakubboev to perform an alternative gesture, such as a namaste, as a sign of respect. However, the situation in this instance remained unresolved, leading to the current controversy.

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament, which has garnered global attention, is also in the spotlight for the absence of high-profile players like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Hans Niemann. Despite these absences, the tournament has seen remarkable performances from young stars, including D Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa.

The incident has fueled debate about the intersection of cultural practices, religious beliefs, and professional etiquette in international sports. While Yakubboev’s apology has been acknowledged, the chess community remains divided, with many calling for clearer guidelines to prevent similar situations in the future.

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