New Delhi: In a gracious gesture, Uzbekistan Grandmaster Nodribek Yakubboev presented Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali with a bouquet of flowers and a chocolate to apologies for refusing to shake hands. This happened just a few days after the World No.67 was involved in a controversy at the ongoing Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, the Netherlands.
In the Challengers’ section round contest between Nodribek and Vaishali, a video was widely circulated with the latter ignoring the Indian player’s attempts to engage in a customary pre-match handshake. Vaishali was seen extending her hand while Nodribek was on the move to take his seat, but the Uzbekistan chess player didn’t look at her opponent and showed focus on game instead.
This drew a heavy backlash for the 23-year-old Nodribek Yakubboev for his inconsiderate actions. Although he issued a clarification in a series of tweets on his X profile right after the incident caught the public attention, Nodribek has come up with another apology in the form of presenting gifts to the Indian player.
In a video captured by ChessBase India, Nodribek presented the flowers and chocolate to Vaishali in front of her mother and brother R. Praggnanandhaa.
“It was an awful situation for both of us. I was in hurry that day. It is a misunderstanding, I am sorry. I want to wish good luck to you and your brother. I respect you and your brother and all Indian chess players. Thank you for understand, good bye and all the best,” Nodribek said in the video.
However, Vaishali understood his situation and accepted the apology while all the people in the frame were wearing sweaters along with Woolen Caps.
“It is understandable, I did not think of the reasons (then),” she said.
Nodribek said that he doesn’t touch woman and also admitted that it was wrong for him to shake hands with Indian player Divya Deshmukh in the same tournament.
Uzbekistan Grandmaster Nodribek Yakubboev apologized to Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali for refusing a pre-game handshake at the Tata Steel Chess tournament. The incident sparked controversy, with Yakubboev facing backlash online. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
