Nihal Sarin Responds Calmly to Controversial Gesture from Opponent Emin Ohanyan After 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 sparked widespread discussion, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin maintained his composure after his opponent, Armenian Grandmaster Emin Ohanyan, displayed an offensive gesture following his defeat. The incident unfolded during a Titled Tuesday game on the Take Take Take app, where both players engaged in a nail-biting blitz battle.
As the match concluded, a video surfaced showing Ohanyan raising his middle finger toward the screen, a moment that quickly went viral and drew sharp criticism from fans and commentators alike. Many rallied in support of Sarin, condemning Ohanyan’s reaction as inappropriate.
However, Sarin took the high road, downplaying the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “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 wrote, emphasizing his desire not to escalate the situation further.
The match itself was a tense affair, culminating in a critical endgame where both players faced intense time pressure. 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, allowing Sarin to seize the opportunity and secure victory.
In the aftermath of the match, Ohanyan’s emotional outburst raised eyebrows, prompting the Take Take Take app to address the situation. The platform shared the clip with the caption, “we’ve all been there,” but later removed it amid backlash. They 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.”
Sarin’s composed response and the app’s clarification highlight the importance of sportsmanship in competitive gaming, even in the face of heated emotions. As the chess community reflects on this incident, Sarin’s attitude serves as a reminder of the spirit of the game.
For more updates on this story, stay tuned.