Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev has publicly apologized to his Indian counterpart, Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu, for refusing to shake her hand before their match at the 2025 Tata Steel Chess tournament. In a video posted on ChessBase India, a popular chess platform, Yakubboev is seen offering Vaishali flowers and chocolates while repeatedly apologizing and explaining the situation that had left her in an awkward position that day.
What Happened?
On January 27, during the Challengers section of the 2025 Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, Yakubboev declined to shake hands with Vaishali before their match, leaving her hand hanging as he sat down to play. Vaishali went on to defeat Yakubboev and, in response, did not offer a handshake at the end of the game.
Following the incident, Yakubboev posted a formal apology on his now-deleted X account (formerly Twitter), attributing his decision to his personal religious beliefs.
“With all due respect to women and Indian chess players, I want to inform everyone that I do not touch other women for religious reasons,” he wrote. “If I have offended her with my behavior, I apologize.”
He further clarified, “I have some additional explanations: 1. Chess is not haram. I do what I need to do. I do not insist others refrain from shaking hands with the opposite gender or for women to wear hijab or burqa. It is their business what to do.”
The incident quickly sparked international controversy online, with many criticizing Yakubboev’s actions, especially given their inconsistency. In previous games, he had no issue shaking hands with female opponents. Hungarian-American Grandmaster Susan Polgar even shared a photo on X showing Yakubboev shaking hands with Indian player Divya Deshmukh during a 2023 match, further fueling the debate.
“I have less of an issue with the religious excuse. Others may disagree. BUT, he could have informed the organizers, chief arbiter, and/or his female opponents in advance,” wrote Polgar. “This is NOT an Open Swiss event. This is a prestigious invitational when he knew in advance that he would face 4 female opponents. If he wanted an exception then be proactive. Otherwise, he has to expect criticism.”
Why is it Important?
For the world of chess, this may be a one-time incident that stirred up discussion of intercultural misunderstandings and sparked online public debate, but it reflects a broader cultural shift beyond the game in Uzbekistan.
Islamic practices in Uzbekistan, after enduring seven decades of Soviet-imposed atheism, are now being increasingly adopted by the younger generation. For the older generation – those born and raised during Soviet times – religion and public life remain largely separate. Open displays of religiosity are often frowned upon, particularly in government institutions, where most leadership positions are still held by individuals shaped by the secular Soviet system.
However, the younger generation is different. Religious norms are now being widely disseminated through online platforms, books, media publications, and the teachings of 15 officially recognized religious schools across the country.
This, however, does not mean that Uzbekistan has become an Islamic state. The country remains secular, with Islamic teachings centralized under the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, which heavily emphasizes countering religious extremism rather than promoting stricter religious observance in public life.
Yakubboev’s carefully worded public post – where he frames his decision as a personal belief, explicitly states that he does not expect others to follow Islamic norms, and clarifies that he does not consider chess haram (unlawful under Sharia law) – reflects this tight government control over religious expression. Any public statement that could be perceived as promoting religious ideology is closely monitored, as authorities remain wary of actions that might stir controversy or challenge the state’s secular framework.
Uzbekistan, with a population of 37 million, is officially reported to be up to 94 percent Muslim. However, for many, Islam is more of a cultural identity than a strict religious practice. While Islamic traditions influence daily life, a significant portion of the population continues to adhere to a secular lifestyle, shaped by decades of Soviet-era secularism and the state’s ongoing emphasis on religious moderation.
The 23-year-old Yakubboev is set to play against Romanian chess player Irina Bulmaga soon and has informed his fans that this time, he gave prior notice that he would not partake in a pre-match handshake.
“Today, I told Irina Bulmaga about it. She agreed to it,” Yakubboev shared. “But when I came to the playing hall, the arbiters told me that I should at least do Namaste as a gesture. In the games with Divya (Deshmukh) and Vaishali, I couldn’t tell them about it before the game, and there was an awkward situation.”
Yakubboev’s actions serve as a reminder of the evolving cultural and religious landscape in Uzbekistan, where traditional values increasingly intersect with global expectations in professional settings.