The Incredible Survival Journey of 16-Year-Old Md Imran: From Stranded in Slovakia to Chasing Grandmaster Dreams
Survival Story of 16-Year-Old Md Imran: From Stranded to Triumph
NEW DELHI: In a gripping tale of resilience, 16-year-old Md Imran found himself stranded in a foreign land after a seemingly innocuous stop for snacks turned into a nightmare. The bus he was traveling on pulled away from Bratislava, Slovakia, leaving him without his belongings, including his passport, visas, and nearly ₹7 lakh worth of gear—all essential for his journey to a chess tournament and a scholarship at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).
Imran’s journey began in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, where his parents introduced him to chess at the age of seven to divert his attention from screens. What started as a simple pastime quickly transformed into a passion. Under the guidance of coach Leela Kumar, Imran skyrocketed from a novice rating of 1035 to an impressive 1958 in just a year, eyeing international tournaments.
However, the pandemic struck, halting his progress and evaporating sponsorships. By 2023, Imran was traveling alone to save costs, a decision driven by financial constraints. “If I could have gotten one of my parents or a legal guardian… I have to pay for an additional person. We are not at all in that state,” he explained.
When the bus left him behind, Imran faced a daunting reality. With no hotel willing to accommodate him without a passport, he resorted to pleading with drivers from other companies for help. His only lifeline was his phone, which allowed him to file complaints with FlixBus and seek assistance from the U.S. Embassy.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Imran chose to compete in the First Saturday Round Robin tournament, battling a high fever and the stress of his situation. Against all expectations, he finished with a remarkable score of 7/9, earning his first Grandmaster norm. He followed this with another stellar performance at the 5th Rigo Janos Memorial, bringing him closer to his dream of becoming a Grandmaster.
“I have never had real, consistent coaching,” Imran reflected, emphasizing his self-taught journey. His rise has been nothing short of extraordinary, with an impressive number of rated games played in 2024 and 2025, making him one of the most active players globally.
Yet, the financial burden on his family remains heavy. With his father, a police officer, struggling to manage loans amounting to ₹50 lakh, the pressure has taken a toll on Imran’s passion for chess. “This is the first thing why I slowly started to gradually lose interest in chess,” he admitted.
Now back in India with a new passport, Imran is awaiting the reissuance of his Schengen visa, which is crucial for his upcoming scholarship. Despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful. “I really want someone to help me, in any means that they potentially can,” he said, expressing his desire to not miss out on the opportunity that lies ahead.
Imran’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable spirit of youth. As he stands on the brink of achieving his Grandmaster title, his journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that even in the face of adversity, determination can lead to triumph.