Vaishali Rameshbabu became embroiled in controversy during the ongoing 2025 Tata Steel Chess Masters held in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. In Round 4 of the Challengers’ Section, the Indian grandmaster faced Nodirbek Yakubboev, leading to a significant scandal. The Uzbek grandmaster arrived late for his match against Vaishali and dismissed her customary pre-game handshake with a disrespectful gesture. Vaishali, taken aback by the incident, ultimately triumphed over her opponent with relative ease.

Following the match, Nodirbek continued to ignore Vaishali and left the venue. This behaviour left chess enthusiasts bewildered, prompting Nodirbek to issue an apology to X, attributing his actions to his Islamic faith. However, fans quickly noted that he had previously shaken hands with Divya Deshmukh in 2023, which he admitted was a mistake on his part, citing religious reasons.

The entire episode has taken on the characteristics of a reality television show, as Nodirbek appeared in a video posted on YouTube by ChessBase India. In this footage, he is seen approaching Vaishali and her brother with a bouquet, reminiscent of a scene from a Bollywood film, before offering his apologies. Vaishali and her brother also expressed their understanding of his religious practices before the incident.

Nodirbek Yakubboev forgot that he fist-bumped Divya Deshmukh?

In the video, Nodirbek conveys a message to his fans, expressing his apologies to Vaishali Rameshbabu. He also reflects on his handshake with Divya in 2023, acknowledging that it was an inappropriate action. However, it is noteworthy that neither Nodirbek nor ChessBase India mentions that the Uzbek Grandmaster had previously fist-bumped Divya during a pairing at Wijk aan Zee.

“It was a regrettable situation for both of us. I was in a rush that day. It was a misunderstanding, and I apologize. I wish you and your brother the best of luck. I hold great respect for you, your brother, and all Indian chess players. Thank you for your understanding, goodbye, and best wishes,” he states in the video.

Nodirbek also shares that he adheres to the “rules of his religion” and aims to avoid shaking hands with “other women.” However, one might question whether fist-bumping and handshaking fall under the same category of physical contact.

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