In the quiet suburban town of Harrow, London, a remarkable story is unfolding—one that is rewriting chess history. Bodhana Sivanandan, born on March 7, 2015, has risen from a curious beginner during the COVID-19 lockdown to one of the most promising young chess talents in the world. At just ten years old, she has already achieved feats that seasoned players spend decades chasing.
Bodhana Sivanandan: Early Life and the Beginning of a Passion
Bodhana’s journey began in 2020, when the world slowed down due to the pandemic. Her parents, Indian Tamils originally from Trichy, encouraged her curiosity, and chess soon became her playground for imagination and strategy. Within months, she was captivated—not just by winning games, but by the deeper beauty of how pieces moved, patterns emerged, and strategies unfolded.
In her own words, chess helps her “recognise patterns, focus attention, and strategise moves ahead,” a mindset that would quickly set her apart from her peers.
Rising Through the Ranks
By March 2022—just 15 months after learning the game—legendary chess columnist Leonard Barden described her as “exceptional.” That year, she stormed through the European Schools Championships in Rhodes, winning all 24 of her games and taking home three gold medals.
Later in 2022, she competed in the British Chess Championships, stunning older, more experienced players. Even when facing defeats, like her game against Grandmaster Keith Arkell, she earned praise for her fearless approach and maturity far beyond her years.
Bodhana Sivanandan: Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
The momentum never slowed. In 2023, Bodhana defeated former British champion Peter Lee in an exhibition match and dominated the European Blitz Championship, earning both the under-12 and women’s prizes. International Master Lawrence Trent called her play “breathtaking” and predicted she would be “England’s greatest player” one day.
By March 2024, she had reached world No. 1 under-10 girl, and by July, she made history as the youngest ever to be selected for England’s women’s team at the Chess Olympiad. Her Olympiad debut in Budapest marked yet another milestone—she was the youngest person in any sport to represent England at a senior level.
The Historic Moment in 2025
August 10, 2025, will be remembered as the day Bodhana Sivanandan etched her name into global chess history. At the British Chess Championships in Liverpool, she became the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster, overcoming 60-year-old GM Peter Wells in the final round. At just 10 years, 5 months, and 3 days, she broke the record set by American Carissa Yip in 2019.
But that was not her only achievement that day. She also secured her third and final Woman International Master (WIM) norm, becoming the youngest-ever to earn the title, surpassing the previous record by a full year. This incredible performance came on the heels of her first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) norm earlier in 2025, achieved at the Dole Trophy with a 2400+ performance rating.
A Playing Style That Commands Respect
Her positional play has drawn comparisons to world champions Magnus Carlsen and José Raúl Capablanca. Commentators praised her “miraculous” turnaround against Wells, a victory that demonstrated not just tactical sharpness but mental resilience.
Her 5/9 score at the 2025 British Championships earned her 24 rating points and a tie for 26th in the open event—a remarkable result for a player barely into double digits.
Inspiring the Future
Bodhana’s meteoric rise has inspired young players worldwide. She already holds three world junior titles in the under-8 category—classical, rapid, and blitz—and has been hailed by legends like Susan Polgar. Her success has even caught the attention of the UK government, which recently pledged £1.5 million to support young chess talent.
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