Yakubboev apologises to Vaishali and Divya after no-handshake incident

by Carlos Alberto Colodro
1/31/2025 – A handshake controversy at the Tata Steel Challengers tournament sparked heated debate after GM Nodirbek Yakubboev declined Vaishali Rameshbabu's pre-game gesture, citing religious reasons. The incident drew widespread criticism, with many questioning the inconsistency of his actions. In response, Yakubboev publicly apologised and later met Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, offering chocolates and flowers. | Photo: ChessBase India
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Chocolates and flowers

In the fourth round of the Tata Steel Challengers tournament in Wijk aan Zee, a notable incident occurred between GMs Nodirbek Yakubboev of Uzbekistan and Vaishali Rameshbabu of India. As the game commenced, Vaishali extended her hand for the customary handshake, but Yakubboev declined the gesture.

The incident prompted a significant outcry online, with many expressing their views on Yakubboev's behaviour. It was noted specifically - using screenshots from video footage - that the Uzbek GM had shaken Divya Deshmukh's hand at the 2023 edition of the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival.

In response to the controversy, Yakubboev took to X to provide an explanation (his account has now been deactivated). 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.

He further clarified that he holds great respect for Vaishali and her brother Praggnanandhaa, and apologised if his actions caused any offence. Yakubboev emphasized that his decision was not intended as a sign of disrespect. This apology did not prevent chess pundits from criticising the Uzbek player's behaviour. Former women's world champion Susan Polgar weighed in on the matter, stating:

This is my opinion: I have less of an issue with the religious excuse. Others may disagree. BUT, he could have informed the organizers, chief arbiter, and/or his female opponents in advance. This is NOT an Open Swiss event. This is a prestigious invitational when he knew in advance that he would face four female opponents. If he wanted an exception then be proactive. Otherwise, he has to expect criticism.

Given the fact that the controversy continued to elicit criticism, Yakubboev decided to meet Vaishali and apologise to her personally. As recorded in a video produced by ChessBase India, besides speaking with Vaishali, Yakubboev gifted her chocolate and flowers. It was also informed that Yakubboev had not shaken hands with Divya in the first round. The Uzbek GM, thus, also apologised and gifted chocolates and flowers to Divya.

Yakubboev and Vaishali currently stand in shared 9th place in the 14-player Tata Steel Challengers, each with a 5/10 score. Divya is struggling in Wijk aan Zee, as she has so far collected 2/10 points. Yakubboev beat Divya and lost to Vaishali in their direct encounters. Replay both games below.

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Carlos Colodro is a Hispanic Philologist from Bolivia. He works as a freelance translator and writer since 2012. A lot of his work is done in chess-related texts, as the game is one of his biggest interests, along with literature and music.