Bodhana Sivanandan Shines at the 2026 ChessKid Youth Championship, but Supratit Banerjee Claims Victory in the Final

Young Chess Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Shines at 2026 ChessKid Youth Championship

February 22, 2026 – In a thrilling display of talent and determination, 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has captured the hearts of chess enthusiasts worldwide by scoring an impressive 12 out of 13 points to reach the finals of the 2026 Under 13 ChessKid Youth Championship. Despite her remarkable journey, Sivanandan ultimately fell to her English rival, FM Supratit Banerjee, with a final score of 3.5-1.5.

The championship, which took place over two days, featured two 12-player events—one for players aged 13 and under and another for those aged 16 and under. Each event boasted a prize pool of $5,000, with $1,500 awarded to the winner.

Sivanandan’s path to the finals was nothing short of extraordinary. After dominating her group with a staggering 9.5 out of 10, she showcased her exceptional endgame skills and tactical prowess. Her journey included a nail-biting semifinal against FM Ashwath Kaushik, where she capitalized on a critical mistake to secure her spot in the finals.

In the championship match, Banerjee, who celebrated his 12th birthday the day after winning, demonstrated his own skill by overcoming early setbacks. He managed to turn the tide against Sivanandan, who had been unbeaten in her previous 14 games. Banerjee’s strategic play and resilience ultimately led him to victory.

“I knew Bodhana was strong, especially in the endgame,” Banerjee remarked after the match. “But I also believed in my own abilities.”

Sivanandan’s performance has not only highlighted her potential but has also drawn attention to the rising talent in English chess. Her journey from being the bottom of her group last year to a finalist this year is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

As the chess community celebrates Banerjee’s victory, many are already looking forward to the next generation of chess stars. The upcoming Under 16 Championship, set to begin on March 7, promises to showcase even more young talent, including prodigies like GM Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and IM Faustino Oro.

With the ChessKid Youth Championship serving as a platform for the next generation of chess elites, both Sivanandan and Banerjee have proven that the future of chess is bright. As they continue to hone their skills, the chess world eagerly anticipates their next moves.