Indian players have performed excellent in the Tata Steel Tess tournament. At the same time, during this two -end, Chase Gradmaster Nodirbek Yokubave of Uzbekistan refused to join hands with Indian player Vaishali due to his religious reasons. After which he was trolled a lot on social media, after which he gave a clarification for not joining hands while asking for himself.
In the fourth round match of Tata Steel Chase, Vaishali faced Uzbekistan’s Gradmaster Nodirback. Players usually shake hands with each other before the match. Vaishali extended his hand further, however, Nodirbek did not join hands and sat on the seat straight. This video became quite viral on social media. Nodirbek then posted the reason for this by posting it on X. He also said that he does not join hands with girls due to being a Muslim.
However, people shared his old video in which other chase players of India were joining hands with Divya Deshmukh. After this, Nodirbake himself decided to go and apologize to Vaishali. Thursday was Tata Steel’s rest day. In such a situation, Nodirbek came to meet Vaishali. Vaishali was accompanied by his brother Pragyanand and mother. Nodirbek gave Vaishali flowers and chocolate and apologized for the whole incident.
During this, he said that I am sorry for what happened. This was a strange situation for both of us. I was in a hurry that day. This is misunderstanding, I am sorry. I want to wish you and your brother. I respect you and your brother and all Indian chess players. Thanks for understanding.
At the same time, Vaishali said in response that his situation is consumed and he does not need to apologize. He did not mind it. Vaishali’s brother and Gradmaster R Pragyanand also told Nodirbek that he does not need to worry about it. Nodirbek shook hands with Pragyanand.
Uzbek gm nodirbek yakubboev met gm r. Vaishali and apologized to her. He did so by brining flowers and chocolate.
Full video: https://t.co/tem7o4bn3w pic.twitter.com/vnjv8nbdij
– Chessbase India (@Chesbaseindia) January 30, 2025