Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev is once again the center of attraction following his decision to respond with a polite “Namaste” to Indian Grandmaster (GM) Harika Dronavali’s offer of a handshake at the Grenke Freestyle Open.
After that moment went viral, India Sasikiran Krishnan returned the favor against Yakubboev with a similar namaste at the end of round 7. This time, Nodirbek also responded with a Namaste as well.
However, this is not the first time that Yakubboev has avoided a handshake. A similar incident occurred last year at the Wijk aan Zee Challengers section, where he was facing R Vaishali, which also drew widespread attention online.
Following that episode, Yakubboev had issued an apology.
“I’m sorry for what had happened? It was an awkward situation for both of us. I was hurrying that day. It looks like a misunderstanding. And I want to wish good luck for the remaining games for both of you. Just want to say. I respect you and your brother both. Both of you, and all the Indian chess players,” Yakubboev had said.
Vaishali then responded: “No, it’s clearly understandable. I didn’t take it that way, so we didn’t have to feel bad.
You actually apologized. It’s totally fine. You don’t have to worry about it.”
Yakubboev later explained it was due to “religious reasons”, adding, “I want to explain the situation… I do not touch other women for religious reasons.”
