Susan Polgar Criticizes Nodirbek Yakubboev for Handshake Snub Against Vaishali

Chess legend Susan Polgar has criticized Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev for refusing to shake hands with India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu at the ongoing Tata Steel Chess Tournament, citing “religious reasons.”

A video clip from Round 4 of the tournament in Wijk aan Zee shows Vaishali extending her hand for a handshake before the match, only for Yakubboev to decline. Vaishali went on to win the game.

Polgar weighed in on the controversy by sharing a photo of Yakubboev shaking hands with India’s Divya Deshmukh at a 2023 event and questioning, “What’s the difference?”

Offering her perspective, Polgar wrote:

“I have less of an issue with the religious excuse—others may disagree. But he (Yakubboev) could have informed the organizers, chief arbiter, and/or his female opponents in advance. This is NOT an Open Swiss event; it’s a prestigious invitational where he knew beforehand that he would face four female opponents. If he wanted an exception, he should have been proactive. Otherwise, he has to expect criticism.”

Yakubboev later addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), explaining his stance:

“Dear chess friends, I want to clarify what happened in my game against Vaishali. With all due respect to women and Indian chess players, I want to state that I do not touch women due to religious reasons. I respect Vaishali and her brother as two of India’s strongest players. If my actions offended her, I sincerely apologize.”

*“1. Chess is not haram.
2. What I did in the past (such as shaking hands with Divya in 2023) was something I now consider wrong for myself.
3. I follow my own beliefs but do not