Archive · 9 Jan 2026
Dibyendu Barua: Chess Pioneer and Korchnoi Conqueror
Dibyendu Barua is a famous Indian chess player who did something amazing when he was just 15 years old.
He beat a very strong chess player named Viktor Korchnoi, who was number 2 in the world at that time.
Barua's father helped him go to his first big chess competition in Mexico when he was 13, and he won a bronze medal.
Barua and another Indian player, Viswanathan Anand, were racing to be India's first Grandmaster.
Anand won that race, but Barua became a Grandmaster too in 1991.
Now, Barua teaches chess and organizes tournaments, especially for older people who love the game.
Dibyendu Barua defeated Soviet chess legend Viktor Korchnoi at age 15 in 1982.
Barua won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championship in Mexico at age 13.
He was the youngest player to qualify for India's premier National Championship A at age 12.
Barua became India's second Grandmaster in 1991 after Viswanathan Anand.
He now runs the Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy and organizes tournaments, including one for senior citizens.
- Who
- Dibyendu Barua, a chess prodigy from India
- What
- Defeated Soviet chess legend Viktor Korchnoi and became India's second Grandmaster
- When
- 1982 (defeated Korchnoi), 1991 (became Grandmaster)
- Where
- London (defeated Korchnoi), various international locations (career)
- Why
- Barua's natural talent and dedication to chess, with support from his father and community
- Age when defeated Korchnoi
- 15
- Korchnoi's World Ranking at the time
- 2
- Barua's World Junior Championship Medal
- Bronze
- Year Barua became Grandmaster
- 1991
- Barua's Academy Name
- Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy (DBCA)
- Year DBCA Founded
- 2005
- Barua's Nickname
- Dipu