Chess Legend Susan Polgar Calls Out Nodirbek Yakubboev for Handshake Snub with Vaishali
1 month ago | 5 Views
Chess icon Susan Polgar has expressed her disapproval of Uzbek grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev for his refusal to shake hands with India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu during the ongoing Tata Steel Chess Tournament, attributing his actions to “religious reasons.” This incident, which took place prior to their Round 4 match in Wijk aan Zee, has ignited discussions, with Polgar questioning the inconsistency in Yakubboev’s behaviour.
A video from the tournament captures Vaishali offering her hand for a handshake, which Yakubboev declined. In the aftermath of this widely circulated incident, Polgar highlighted Yakubboev’s prior handshake with India’s Divya Deshmukh in 2023, asking, “What’s the difference?”
In her remarks on social media, Polgar noted that while she had “less of an issue with the religious excuse,” the grandmaster should have taken measures to prevent such a situation from arising.
“In my view, I have less of an issue with the religious excuse. Others may hold a different opinion. However, he (Nodirbek Yakubboev) could have communicated with the organizers, chief arbiter, and/or his female opponents beforehand. This is NOT an Open Swiss event. It is a prestigious invitational, and he was aware that he would be facing four female opponents. If he sought an exception, he should have been proactive. Otherwise, he must be prepared for criticism,” Polgar stated.
Yakubboev's clarification and apology
In response to the criticism he faced, Yakubboev took to X to clarify his position and extend an apology to Vaishali.
“Dear chess friends, I wish to elucidate the circumstances surrounding my game with Vaishali. I hold great respect for women and Indian chess players, and I want to make it clear that I refrain from physical contact with women due to my religious beliefs,” Yakubboev stated.
“I have immense respect for Vaishali and her brother, who are among the top chess players in India. If my actions have caused her any offence, I sincerely apologize.”
He went on to provide further clarification, stating, “I would like to add some points: 1. Chess is not considered haram. 2. My previous actions (referring to the game with Divya in 2023 and similar instances) are something I now view as inappropriate for myself. I act according to my beliefs. I do not impose my views on others regarding handshakes with the opposite gender or the wearing of hijab or burqa; those choices are personal.”
Yakubboev also mentioned that he had communicated his views to fellow competitor Irina Bulmaga, but the situation remained uncomfortable as he was unable to inform Vaishali in advance.
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