Nine-year-old Indian-origin schoolgirl to make chess history representing England internationally
Nine-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan, a talented Indian-origin schoolgirl from London, is set to make chess history as the youngest person selected to represent England internationally in any sport. Bodhana, from Harrow in north-west London, will join the England Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, in September, alongside teammates who are all much older than her.
“I found out yesterday after I came back from school when my dad told me. I was happy. I hope I’ll do well and I’ll get another title,” Bodhana told the BBC in an interview.
Malcolm Pein, manager of the England chess team, praised Bodhana as one of the most remarkable British chess prodigies he has ever seen. “It’s exciting – she’s on course to be one of the best British players ever,” he said.
Bodhana’s father, Siva Sivanandan, expressed his astonishment at his daughter’s talent, noting that neither he nor his wife are particularly skilled at chess. Bodhana first discovered her love for the game during the pandemic lockdown when a family friend gifted her a chess board.
Last December, Bodhana made headlines by winning the European Blitz Chess Championship in Zagreb, Croatia, earning the title of “super talented.” She was later invited to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to celebrate a new government investment in chess.
The UK government has committed significant funding to support the growth of chess in schools and communities across England. This includes investments in coaching, training camps, and elite player development, as well as the installation of new chess tables in public parks to promote the game and encourage social interaction.
As Bodhana prepares to represent England on the international stage, she is not only breaking records but also inspiring a new generation of young chess enthusiasts. Her journey from a curious nine-year-old to a chess prodigy serves as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and talent.