The Tata Steel Chess Tournament was embroiled in controversy when Uzbekistani Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov refused to shake hands with Indian GM Vaishali Rameshbabu before their match. (More Chess News)
Vaishali appeared confused by the gesture but remained unfazed, going on to defeat him. The refusal to follow the long-standing chess 🎀tradition of shaking hands sparked confusion and ignited online debate.
ꦛIn the Challengers section in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, Nodirbek and Vaishali faced off in round four. Vaishali triumphed with the black pieces, claiming victory over Nodirbek.
✅Many on X (formerly known as Twitter) referred to it as "sweet revenge."
♒In a video that circulated on social media, Vaishali extended her hand for a handshake before the match, but Nodirbek declined, offering only a subtle wave of his hand.
🌃The 23-year-old Uzbekistani Grandmaster later addressed the incident on "X," explaining that his refusal to shake hands with Vaishali was rooted in his religious beliefs, as he does not engage in physical contact with women.
He later admitted that his failure to communicate beforehand with Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh in previous instances led to awkward situations.
𓂃The incident has caused a rift within the chess community, with some defending Nodirbek's right to follow his religious principles, while others argue that respect for chess traditions and sportsmanship should take precedence.
