London chess prodigy, 10, becomes Woman International Master

London chess prodigy, 10, becomes Woman International Master

In a remarkable achievement, a 10-year-old chess prodigy from north-west London has made history by becoming the youngest person to earn the woman international master title. Bodhana Sivanandan, hailing from Harrow, also made headlines as the youngest female player to defeat a chess grandmaster at the 2025 British Chess Championship earlier this month. Adding to her accolades, in 2024 she made history by becoming the youngest individual to represent England internationally in any sport when she was selected for the England Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad held in Hungary.

The International Chess Federation confirmed the outstanding feat achieved by Bodhana, highlighting her victory against 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells in the last round of the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool. This remarkable triumph, achieved at the age of 10 years, five months, and three days, surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by American Carissa Yip. Attaining the prestigious title of Grandmaster is the highest honor for a chess player and is a lifelong achievement, setting Bodhana on a path of unparalleled success within the chess world.

Bodhana’s journey into the world of chess began amidst the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic, where she found solace and passion in the game. Despite her parents not having any background in chess, Bodhana’s innate talent shone through, captivating the chess community with her strategic prowess and unwavering determination. Her father, Siva, expressed his pride and joy in her achievements, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment she derives from the game. Bodhana aspires to continue her chess journey, aiming to reach the pinnacle of success by becoming a grandmaster in the near future.

Renowned international chess master Malcolm Payne praised Bodhana for her groundbreaking accomplishments, highlighting her as a role model for girls and women in a predominantly male-dominated game. He commended her composure, humility, and exceptional skills, predicting a bright future ahead for Bodhana in the world of chess. With her unwavering dedication and natural talent, Bodhana stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players, paving the way for a new era of excellence in the game

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