Rising Star: 11-Year-Old Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes England’s Top Female Chess Player

11-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Crowned England’s Top Female Player

North London, England – In a remarkable achievement that has captured the attention of the chess world, 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has emerged as England’s top-rated female chess player, according to the latest International Chess Federation (FIDE) rating list. With a peak rating of 2366, Bodhana has surpassed four-time British women’s champion Lan Yao, marking a significant milestone in her young career.

Born on March 7, 2015, in London to parents from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Bodhana’s journey in chess began during the COVID-19 lockdown. While rummaging through a bag her father intended to discard, she discovered a chessboard and pieces, igniting a passion that would soon lead her to the pinnacle of English chess.

Bodhana, who is currently a primary school student, has not only claimed the title of England’s No. 1 female player but has also broken into the world’s top 100 women, currently sitting at an impressive 72nd position. This achievement was celebrated in a press release by the English Chess Federation, which highlighted her extraordinary rise in the sport.

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

Bodhana’s accolades include being awarded the Woman International Master (WIM) title in 2025 and recently earning the FIDE Master (FM) title. Her prowess was further showcased when she outsmarted Ukraine’s former world champion, Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk, at the European Club Cup 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. We cannot wait to see what she can do in her career.”

As Bodhana continues to compete at the highest levels, her family and supporters are eager to see how her journey unfolds. With her dedication and talent, she is not only flying the flag for England but also inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts around the world.