Indian-Origin Chess Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes England’s Top Female Player at Just 11 Years Old

Indian-Origin Chess Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Crowned England’s Top Female Player at Just 11

New Delhi — In a remarkable achievement, 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has been named England’s top-rated female chess player, according to the latest ratings from the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The young prodigy, whose family hails from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, has amassed an impressive 2366 FIDE rating points, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning chess career.

Bodhana, a primary school student residing in North London, has surpassed the previous titleholder, four-time British women’s champion Lan Yao, 25, to claim the top spot on the FIDE list for England. This accomplishment also catapults her into the global chess arena, as she breaks into the world’s top 100 women players for the first time, currently ranked at number 72.

Her journey into the world of chess began during the pandemic lockdown when she discovered a chessboard and pieces in a bag her father intended to discard. This serendipitous find ignited her passion for the game, leading to an extraordinary rise in her skills and rankings.

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who shares Indian heritage, took to social media to congratulate Bodhana, reminiscing about their chess match in the garden of Downing Street. “Huge congratulations to Bodhana Sivanandan on becoming England’s top female chess player at just 11 years old. Let’s just say her success has not come as a shock,” he posted on ‘X’.

Bodhana’s accolades include being named a Woman International Master last year and recently outsmarting Ukraine’s former world champion, Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk, at the European Club Cup held in Rhodes, Greece.

Richard Walsh, CEO of the English Chess Federation, praised Bodhana’s achievements, stating, “She is blazing a trail not just for women and girls in the game, but for all chess players in England. Across all sports, she must be one of the most prodigious talents England has ever produced.” He expressed excitement for her future, emphasizing the hard work of both Bodhana and her family in reaching this pinnacle of success.

As Bodhana Sivanandan continues to rise in the chess world, she stands as an inspiration for aspiring players everywhere, proving that with determination and talent, the sky is the limit.