Chess Legend Susan Polgar Criticizes Nodirbek Yakubboev for Refusing Handshake with Vaishali Rameshbabu

Chess legend Susan Polgar has taken a stand against Uzbek grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev for his refusal to shake hands with India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, citing “religious reasons.” The incident, which occurred before their Round 4 match in Wijk aan Zee, has caused quite a stir in the chess community.

A video from the tournament captured the moment when Vaishali extended her hand for a handshake, only to be met with Yakubboev’s refusal. This sparked a debate, with Polgar questioning the inconsistency in Yakubboev’s actions, especially considering his previous handshake with India’s Divya Deshmukh in 2023.

Taking to social media, Polgar expressed her thoughts on the matter, stating that while she understands the religious excuse, Yakubboev should have taken proactive steps to avoid controversy. She emphasized that the tournament is a prestigious invitational event, and Yakubboev should have informed the organizers and his female opponents in advance if he wanted an exception.

In response to the backlash, Yakubboev clarified his stance and offered an apology to Vaishali. He explained that he does not touch other women for religious reasons and expressed his respect for Vaishali and her brother as strong chess players in India. He acknowledged that his behavior may have offended Vaishali and apologized for it.

Yakubboev further clarified that while he follows his beliefs, he does not impose them on others. He mentioned that he had informed fellow competitor Irina Bulmaga about his stance but was unable to inform Vaishali beforehand, leading to the awkward situation.

The incident has sparked a conversation about cultural and religious differences in the chess world, highlighting the importance of communication and respect among players. As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on how this incident will impact the players and the chess community as a whole.