London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama was filled with anticipation in 1982 as attendees awaited a late 15-year-old schoolboy, Dibyendu Barua. Having traveled from outside the city, Barua surprised everyone by defeating the formidable Soviet chess player Viktor Korchnoi at the 6th Lloyds Bank Masters. This remarkable victory, highlighted by The New York Times, marked a significant moment in chess history, as Korchnoi, then World No. 2 and 51 years old, was regarded as one of the strongest players never to become World Champion.
Rani Hamid, a celebrated Bangladeshi chess player, sought a photograph with Korchnoi after a contest during which Korchnoi, visibly upset by his loss, declined the request for a picture. Barua, who regarded Hamid as an aunt, recalls Korchnoi’s refusal.
Barua gained attention three years ago when invited to the World Junior Championship in Mexico, but lacked financial support from the Indian government. His family, relying on his father’s modest income from a printing business, faced challenges in raising over a lakh. Undeterred by skeptics, Barua’s father was determined to fund his son’s trip to Mexico, recognizing the significance of this opportunity.
Dibyendu shares his experience of how his father’s loan struggles led to community support, including assistance from friends and a Bengali association in Dubai. A Bengali doctor played a crucial role, facilitating his trip to Mexico at the age of 13. He returned home with a bronze medal, marking India’s first achievement at that level.
Benoy’s trust in Dipu was built over time as he witnessed the boy achieve success in various chess championships, qualifying for the National Championship B and later the National Championship A by the age of 12. In the mid-1980s, the competition to become India’s first Grandmaster was notable, with Barua and Viswanathan Anand as the key contenders. Anand became the first Grandmaster in 1988 and later a world champion, while Barua secured his title in 1991, experiencing challenges including a missed GM norm at the 1988 Olympiad in Greece.
Barua fondly recalls a moment of encouragement from his roommate Anand during a time of disappointment, highlighting his near-achievement of becoming a Grandmaster. As a significant presence at the Tata Steel Chess India event, Barua engages with guests, parents, and players while also distributing prize money and facilitating media interactions. He takes pride in his active role, which includes hosting the annual ‘Chess For Youth’ event and organizing two Open classical rating tournaments, along with a cherished event for senior citizens.
Barua reflects on the absence of tournaments for young players, emphasizing the joy they find in playing for fun rather than monetary gain. He organizes events without entry fees, funding the prizes from his own pocket as a tribute to his father, who supported him early in his career. Once an advocate for better conditions as a player, Barua now ensures the next generation benefits from improved accessibility in sports, turning his past struggles into a commitment to enhance the playing experience for others.
