Nihal Sarin Stays Composed After Opponent’s Controversial Gesture in Online Match
Nihal Sarin Responds Calmly to Controversial Gesture from Opponent Emin Ohanyan
February 28, 2026, 13:55 IST
In a dramatic online chess match that has captured the attention of fans worldwide, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin found himself at the center of controversy after his opponent, Armenian Grandmaster Emin Ohanyan, displayed an offensive hand gesture following his defeat. The incident unfolded during a Titled Tuesday game on the Take Take Take app, where both players faced intense pressure in a nail-biting blitz battle.
As the match concluded, a video surfaced showing Ohanyan standing up and showing his middle finger toward the screen, a moment that quickly went viral and sparked outrage among viewers. Many fans rallied in support of Sarin, condemning Ohanyan’s reaction as inappropriate.
However, in a display of remarkable composure, Sarin took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the incident. “No big deal. Regarding the recent incident, I want to clarify that I was not offended. Things happen in the heat of the moment,” he stated, emphasizing his desire not to escalate the situation further.
The match itself was a tense affair, culminating in a critical endgame where both players were racing against the clock. Sarin, with a rook and a pawn, held a slight advantage over Ohanyan, who had a bishop and a pawn. The turning point came when Ohanyan miscalculated his move, allowing Sarin to seize the opportunity and secure victory.
Following the match, Ohanyan’s frustration boiled over, leading to his controversial gesture. The Take Take Take app later shared the clip with the caption, “we’ve all been there,” but faced backlash for the incident. In response to the criticism, the organizers clarified their stance, stating, “We don’t interpret the hand gestures to be towards Nihal, but towards the computer/game itself. If it was intended towards Nihal, we obviously do not condone that.”
Despite the uproar, Sarin’s calm demeanor and refusal to take offense have resonated positively with fans and fellow players alike. His response highlights the importance of sportsmanship, even in the face of heated competition.
As the chess community continues to discuss the incident, Sarin remains focused on his game, proving that sometimes, the best response is simply to rise above the fray.