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.