Noderbek Yakuboev’s “Namaste” Gesture to India’s Harika Dronavali (Image Source: ChessBase India)
NEW DELHI: A light-hearted moment attracted attention at the Grenke Freestyle Open when Grandmaster (GM) Harika Dronavali extended her hand to resign, but Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev responded with a polite ‘Namaste’ instead.
Both players smiled and walked away, making the exchange memorable and respectful.He watches:
The action itself is heating up in Karlsruhe, where Vincent Kemmer and Hans Niemann lead with 5/5. They are scheduled to face each other in a decisive match after that. At the back is a strong group including world number one Magnus Carlsen, making the competition tight.Interestingly, Daniel Hausrath, who is ranked much lower in the world, surprisingly maintains his place among the best players.
With thousands of participants and a huge prize pool, the tournament is one of the largest in the world, and the upcoming rounds are expected to shake up the leaderboard.This is not the first time that Yakoboev has avoided shaking hands. Earlier, during a match against R Vaishali in the Wijk Aan Zee Challengers division last year, he did the same, leading to confusion. Later, he met her again with flowers and chocolates to apologize.
“I’m sorry about what happened? It was an embarrassing situation for both of us. I was in a rush that day. There seems to be some misunderstanding. And I want to wish you both good luck in the remaining matches. Just want to say. I respect you and your brother. You and all Indian chess players,” Yakuboyev said.“No, it’s clearly understandable. I didn’t handle it that way, so we don’t have to feel bad,” Vaishali replied kindly.
I actually apologized. She’s absolutely fine. You don’t have to worry about that.”Yakuboev later clarified that it was due to “religious reasons”, adding: “I want to explain the situation… I do not touch other women for religious reasons.” He stressed respect, saying: “I respect Vaishali and her brother as they are the strongest chess players in India. If I have offended her with my behavior then I apologise,” he explained, “I do what I have to do.. It is their business what to do.”