Uzbek Chess Grandmaster's Handshake Refusal at Tata Steel Sparks Debate Over Religious Beliefs
Nodirbek Yakubboev apologized for not shaking hands with Indian GM R Vaishali, attributing his actions to religious reasons, as criticism mounted online.
- Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev declined to shake hands with Indian GM R Vaishali before their Tata Steel Chess match, citing religious reasons.
- Yakubboev later issued an apology, explaining that his faith prohibits physical contact with women, and expressed respect for Vaishali and her brother, GM R Praggnanandhaa.
- The incident drew widespread attention, with critics questioning Yakubboev's consistency, as he had previously been seen shaking hands with other female players.
- Vaishali went on to defeat Yakubboev in the match, and she did not offer her hand after the game, reportedly due to the earlier interaction.
- To avoid future misunderstandings, Yakubboev informed his next opponent, Irina Bulmaga, about his religious practice in advance and agreed to use a 'Namaste' gesture instead.
Free Press Journal 