Why "Religious" Uzbek GM Shook Hands With India's Divya, Turned Down Vaishali

Uzbekistan's Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev triggered a huge controversy after deciding to snub a handshake offer by Indian chess star Vaishali, who is also the sister of R Praggnanandhaa. As soon as the video of the handshake snub surfaced on social media, the Uzbek GM's act saw him court plenty of criticism. Some even reminded him of his match against another Indian chess star Divya Deshmukh in 2023, where Yakubboev had shaken hands with his opponent. As the controversy spiralled on, Yakubboev decided to issue an apology and also a clarification.

A video circulating on social media showed Vaishali extending her hand before the start of a fourth-round match against Yakubboev. However, Yakubboev sits down after turning down her gesture, leaving the Indian player visibly uncomfortable.

Once the video went viral, Yakubboev posted a response on 'X' saying, "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 apologise.

"I have some additional explanations: 1) Chess is not haram. 2) What I did before (referring to the game with Divya in 2023 and cases like that) I consider it wrong for me. 3) 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 explained.

Uzbekistan, Nodirbek Yakubboev refused to shake hands with Vaishali at Tata Steel Chess due to religious reasons.

He had earlier shaken hands with Indian Player like Divya Deshmukh during