Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:11pm on 28 Jan 2025,Tuesday Sports
Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev sparked controversy at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament after refusing to shake hands with India’s GM R Vaishali due to religious reasons. A viral video showed Vaishali extending her hand before their match, only for Yakubboev to sit silently, leaving her awkwardly. Yakubboev later apologized, explaining his decision was rooted in his Muslim faith, which prohibits touching women. He clarified he respects Vaishali and her brother, Indian GM Praggnanandhaa, and doesn’t impose his beliefs on others. The incident has drawn mixed reactions, with some labeling it discriminatory.
