It’s not common to see an active Indian sportsperson doubling as an organiser. Mahesh Bhupathi’s association with the now defunct Sunfeast Open and Kingfisher Open is one example that comes to mind. On Tuesday, GM Dibyendu Barua joined the rare club as an organiser of the Asian team chess championship.

There are 18 teams in the men’s and women’s sections in the weeklong competition featuring 110-odd players and officials. They have to be provided at least three-star accommodation and the total expenses will run up to around Rs 50 lakh. Barua has had his hands full of late and even had a few “sleepless nights”.

“Playing is a lot easier,” Barua grinned when HT asked him how it was going on the first day. “It means you are occupied with yourself. As players, we are often critical of the organisers. That’s why the role I’m playing now is more difficult. It’s demanding to satisfy or meet the requirements of 100-odd people.”

India’s second Grandmaster whose Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy is organizing the event with All Sport Management, said raising funds has been the major headache. “It often comes down to begging, which makes the task demeaning at times. It doesn’t feel nice to see people not taking my calls knowing that I would ask for money.”

On the positive side, Barua felt it’s better for participants if a player is involved in the organisation. “There are small but important things which a person not connected to the sport can overlook. I think it’s easier for a player to ensure that players can concentrate on the game without having to think about anything else.”

Barua though said he doesn’t want to do it more regularly. “I don’t want to get branded as an organiser. Popular perception about organisers is that they are out to make money,” said the player, who also conducts a youth meet for his academy. “That’s out of passion, because I think it’s my duty to give something back to the society.”

Right now, Barua’s concern is to break even. “We’ve received Rs 25 lakh from the central and state governments. Even if we manage to raise the rest, I’d say I’ve been successful. The other concern is the players. If they leave without complaints, I’d think I’ve done a good job.”

Barua also feels he’s learnt something he would remember while playing next. “I’ll be more considerate to the organisers.” Arranging lodgings for over 100 people in the same hotel can teach even veterans a few things!

India A teams win

After the first round, India A, India B, Iran, Vietnam and Indonesia were leading in the men’s section with two points each. In the women’s section, India A, Vietnam and Iran were sharing the top spot with two points which come with a victory. India B women were held by Singapore.