England : In an extraordinary feat that has captivated the chess world, 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan from London made history by becoming the youngest female player to defeat a Grandmaster. At the 2025 British Chess Championships held in Liverpool, Bodhana clinched this remarkable victory against 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells. She achieved this milestone at just 10 years, five months, and three days old, surpassing the previous record that had stood since 2019.
Bodhana’s journey into chess was almost accidental. Growing up in a family originally from Tamil Nadu, India, she stumbled upon a chessboard at home during the COVID-19 lockdown and took to the game with a passion. Guided initially by her father using online resources, Bodhana quickly demonstrated a natural talent, winning numerous junior championships and becoming a beacon for young chess enthusiasts worldwide. Today, she holds the Woman FIDE Master title and is on track to reach even greater heights in the competitive chess landscape.
Beyond breaking records, Bodhana’s strategic and poised style of play has drawn comparisons to some of chess’s greats, including Jose Raul Capablanca and Magnus Carlsen. Her early success and growing acclaim highlight that prodigious talent paired with dedication knows no age limits. As the youngest player ever to score a Woman Grandmaster norm and a national champion under her belt, Bodhana stands as a shining example of the new generation reshaping the future of chess.
Her achievement is not just personal but symbolic of the rise of young chess prodigies worldwide, inspiring countless others to pick up the game and aim for the stars. Bodhana’s journey is just beginning, and the chess community eagerly watches hernext moves.
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