With flowers and chocolate, Uzbek GM Yakubboev says sorry to Vaishali for handshake furore
Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), Jan 31 (PTI): Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Yakubboev offered flowers, chocolate and a personal apology to Indian GM R Vaishali after causing quite a stir by refusing to shake hands with her before their game in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament here, citing "religious reasons".
Yakubboev met Vaishali, who was accompanied by her younger brother GM R Praggnanandhaa and mother Nagalakshmi, on the sidelines of the ongoing event. The 23-year-old reiterated that he regrets the "awkward situation" that arose because of his actions.
"I am sorry (about) what happened," Yakubboev told Vaishali in a video that was shared online by 'ChessBase India'.
Vaishali accepted his apology and assured him that she did not want him to feel bad about what transpired.
"It's clearly understandable. I didn't take it that way, you don't have to feel bad," she responded.
Nonetheless, Yakubboev made it clear that he meant no disrespect.
"...it was an awkward situation for both of us. I was in a hurry that day and really forgot. I want to wish good luck to both of you," he said.
"You actually apologised, I clearly remember. You said sorry," Vaishali said.
In a video that went viral on social media earlier this week, Vaishali could be seen extending her hand before the start of a fourth-round contest against Yakubboev, who sat down without responding to it.
Yakubboev, who became a GM in 2019, lost that match in the Challengers' section of the tournament, which is in its 87th edition.
Yakubboev, a practising Muslim, posted a lengthy response on 'X' saying, he had all the respect for Vaishali and Praggnanandhaa but he "does not touch other women due to religious reasons."
However, that claim was ridiculed when an old video of him shaking hands with another Indian player Divya Deshmukh cropped up online.
The Uzbek, while responding to it, stated that the exchange with Deshmukh was also wrong in his belief.
He drew criticism for his statements and after his personal apology to Vaishali, he also met Deshmukh with flowers and chocolate to express regret. A picture of that meeting was also shared by 'ChessBase India'.
Yakubboev also had a brief conversation with Praggnanandhaa during his meeting with Vaishali, reiterating that he has immense respect for him too.
All three players wished each other the best for their upcoming rounds in the event before Yakubboev folded his hands in a 'Namaste' to say goodbye.
Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev did not shake hands with Vaishali before the start of 4th round at the Tata Steel Challengers 2025. This act of not shaking hands led to huge outcry on social media where people were not happy with the way in which Yakubboev had dealt with the… pic.twitter.com/R35SHGVZM5
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) January 30, 2025
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CM Siddaramaiah appeals for peace after Bagalkote clashes, BJP blames Cong
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday appealed for peace and harmony in the wake of communal clashes in Bagalkote triggered by alleged stone pelting during a Shivaji Jayanti procession.
Tension prevailed in the district headquarter town of Bagalkote town on Friday following the face-off between two communities, prompting the district administration to clamp prohibitory orders.
Shops remained shut across Bagalkote amid the unrest.
In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said, "The stone-pelting incident in Bagalkot is a threat to the peace and harmony of the society. I and our government strongly condemn this."
ALSO READ: Bagalkote: Man arrested for stone-pelting during Shivaji Jayanti procession
The CM said he had spoken to senior police officers and ordered them to conduct an impartial investigation.
Siddaramaiah has also instructed police to initiate legal action against the miscreants.
Some accused have already been arrested and are being interrogated in connection with the case, and those found guilty will be punished, he added.
Siddaramaiah said, “Providing a fear-free and peaceful life to the people of the country is our first priority. We will not tolerate any person or force that disturbs the peace and tranquility of the people.”
Urging citizens to stay calm and not to fall prey to any provocations, Siddaramaiah assured that the police department will discharge its duty impartially.
The opposition BJP blamed the ruling Congress for the incident, alleging that its "appeasement politics" has resulted in the communal clashes.
“The stone-pelting and shoe-pelting incident on the procession of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bagalkot is a highly condemnable and despicable act. In this mismanagement, the law and order situation has completely collapsed in the Tughlaq Congress government, and the miscreants who disturb the peace have found refuge,” BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said in a post on ‘X’.
“If stone-pelting is taking place in the presence of the police, where is the safety of the common people in the state?” he asked.
Vijayendra alleged that such continuous attacks targeting Hindu festivals and processions look like a systematic conspiracy in the Congress rule in the state.
“Such hooliganism cannot take place without the courage of the state government to stand by them. At least now, the government of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should leave its politics of appeasement and immediately arrest those who have harmed the honour of Shivaji Maharaj, who is the identity of the nation,” the MLA said.
He also cautioned the Chief Minister not to “test the patience of the Hindu society”.
“There is no question of remaining silent when it comes to the identity of our beloved men and our country!” Vijayendra said.
