Nodirbek Yakubboev’s Controversial Chess Gestures: A Recap and Explanation

Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time at the Tata Masters chess tournament. The young GM courted controversy when he snubbed the customary handshake from Indian GM Vaishali Rameshbabu, sparking outrage among fans and fellow players.

However, Yakubboev seemed to have learned his lesson from the previous incident and decided to avoid any further controversy at the Prague Chess Festival 2025. In a third-round match against Indian GM Divya Deshmukh, Yakubboev greeted his opponent with a ‘Namaste’ gesture, showing respect and avoiding any potential backlash.

The incident at the Tata Masters, where Yakubboev ignored and snubbed Vaishali Rameshbabu’s handshake, had led to harsh criticism on social media, with many accusing him of displaying alleged racist and sexist behavior. In response to the backlash, Yakubboev released a viral video with ChessBase India, where he apologized to Vaishali and explained his actions.

Yakubboev clarified that he does not touch women for religious reasons and expressed his respect for Vaishali and her brother as the strongest chess players in India. He also emphasized that he does not insist on others following his beliefs and apologized if his behavior had offended anyone.

The young GM’s gesture of respect towards Divya Deshmukh at the Prague Chess Festival seems to be a step in the right direction towards avoiding further controversy. As the chess world continues to evolve, it is important for players to show respect and sportsmanship towards their opponents, regardless of their personal beliefs or backgrounds.