Breaking News: 10-year-old chess sensation Bodhana Sivanandan, hailing from northwest London, has just shattered records by becoming the youngest player ever, male or female, to earn the ‘woman international master’ title. She also made history earlier this month by defeating a 60-year-old grandmaster, Peter Wells, at the British Chess Championship, a feat previously unattained by any player under the age of 11. The young prodigy, who started playing chess during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been representing England internationally since 2024 and continues to astound the chess world with her remarkable talent.
Chess Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Shatters Records, Becomes Youngest Woman International Master
As the world of chess continues to evolve, young talents are emerging to rewrite the rulebook. Enter Bodhana Sivanandan, a 10-year-old chess prodigy from Harrow, northwest London, who has set her sights on chess history. In a captivating display of brilliance and composure, Sivanandan has claimed the title of the youngest person to earn the Woman International Master (WIM) title.
Beating Grandmasters before Her Teens
In a testament to her extraordinary skill, Sivanandan achieved her final WIM norm by beating 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells in the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool. The International Chess Federation (FIDE), in awe of her feat, announced on its X account that Sivanandan’s victory at just 10 years, five months, and three days had shattered the previous record held by American Carissa Yip – by over a year.
Did you know? A Grandmaster is the highest title a chess player can attain, held for life, with a rating of at least 2500. Sivanandan’s victory over a seasoned grandmaster is a rare achievement for a player of her age.
From Pandemic Curiosity to Record-Breaking Prodigy
Sivanandan’s fascination with chess began during the Covid-19 pandemic when a friend returning to India left behind a chess set. In an interview with the BBC, she recounted, “I was interested in the pieces so I started playing.” Little did she or her parents know, she would grow into a chess sensation, becoming the youngest person ever to represent England internationally in any sport at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Hungary.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Chess
While Sivanandan’s age is astonishing, her achievements are even more remarkable given the gender gap in chess. Although the game is popular among women, top-level representation remains a challenge. Sivanandan’s new title, Woman International Master (WIM), is the second-highest ranking given exclusively to women, second only to Woman Grandmaster (WGM). Her rise serves as an inspiration for young girls aspiring to excel in chess and other traditionally male-dominated sports.
Unlocking Potential in the Game of Kings
As Sivanandan continues to make waves in the world of chess, one must wonder what the future holds for this young superstar. Her father, Siva, remains humble about his daughter’s talent, stating, “Neither I nor my wife are any good at chess, so we have no idea where she got her talent from.” Nevertheless, Sivanandan’s passion for the game is evident, as she finds it makes her feel “good” and aids her in “lots of other things like maths, how to calculate.”
Faq
Q: How many games did Sivanandan have to win to become a Woman International Master?
A: To become a Woman International Master, a player must score at least three norms – performances above a fixed standard – in separate events.
Q: Is chess a growing sport?
A: Yes, the popularity of chess has surged in recent years, fueled by online platforms and high-profile events like the “Queen’s Gambit” phenomenon and the Magnus Carlsen vs. Ian Nepomniachtchi World Championship matches.
Pro Tip: Want to improve your chess skills? Study classic games from top players, practice with puzzle tactics, and engage in regular play with peers to grow your understanding and skill set.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Chess
As Bodhana Sivanandan continues to reignite the passion for chess, trends suggest that the game will only grow in popularity and innovation. With online platforms making the sport more accessible than ever, expect to see more young prodigies challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the game of kings.
Stay tuned to 247Sports for more updates on chess prodigies and trending sports news. Have thoughts on Bodhana Sivanandan’s achievements? Share your insights in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!