Uzbekistan’s Grandmaster Yakuboev is currently in a lot of controversy. Actually, Grandmaster Yakuboev did not join hands with India’s R Vaishali after the Tata Steel Chess tournament. After which a dispute has arisen on this matter. At the same time, let us tell you that Yakuboev refused to join hands with Indian woman Grandmaster Vaishali, citing religious reasons. There was a dispute over its video to go viral and later apologized and said that his intention was not to insult Vaishali but he did so due to religious reasons.
A video was shared on social media by Chesbase India in which Vaishali can be seen extending his hand before the start of the fourth round against Yakuboev. But the Uzbekistan player sat down without joining hands, making the Indian player uncomfortable. However, Vaishali defeated Yakuboev, the Grandmaster in 2019 and Yakuboev currently has three points after the eighth round in the Challenger category.
After this, after this video became quite viral on social media, Yakuboev posted on X and apologized. He said that he respects Vaishali and his younger brother Aa Pragyanand, but he cannot touch another woman due to religious reasons. Yakuboev wrote in his long post that, I want to clarify the situation arising out of Biju with Vaishali. With full respect for women and Indian chess players, I want to inform everyone that I do not touch other women for religious reasons. I respect Vaishali and his brother as India’s strongest chess players. If I have angry with my behavior, I apologize.
The Uzbekistan player further wrote that, I have additional clarifications, chess is not forbidden. I do what I should do. I do not ask others to not join hands with people of opposite sex or wear women or burqa. This is their job what they do.
At the moment, Vaishali did not extend his hand forward after defeating the Uzbekistan player. The Indian player has four points after eight rounds. Five more rounds are yet to be played in the competition.
Dear Chess Friends,
I want to explain the situation that happy in the game with vaishali. With all due respect and Indian chess players, I want to inform everyone that i do not touch other women for reliable reasons.#CESES #fide #ISLAM@Chesbaseindia @Uzchesss– Nodirbek yakubboev (@nodirbekyakubb1) January 26, 2025