CHENNAI: Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has scripted a remarkable milestone by emerging as England’s top-rated female player, as per the latest rankings released by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The 11-year-old has not only climbed to the top spot nationally but has also entered the world’s top 100 women players for the first time.
How did Bodhana Sivanandan achieve this milestone?
Bodhana, who holds a FIDE rating of 2366, surpassed four-time British women’s champion Lan Yao to claim the No. 1 position among female players in England. She is currently ranked 72nd in the global women’s list, marking a significant leap in her rapidly rising career.
What is Bodhana Sivanandan's background?
A primary school student based in north London, Bodhana's family is from Tamil Nadu. Her parents had moved to England from Tiruchirappalli in 2007. Interestingly, her journey in chess began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when she picked up the game after finding a chessboard and set in a bag her father wanted to throw out.
What are Bodhana Sivanandan's key achievements so far?
Bodhana earned the title of Woman International Master last year and has already made her mark on the international stage. One of her standout performances includes defeating Ukraine’s former world champion Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk at the European Club Cup in Greece.
Her achievement has drawn praise from several quarters, including former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recalled playing a game with her and said her success was no surprise. “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.
Officials from the English Chess Federation have also hailed her as an exceptional young talent, calling her one of the most promising players in the country across sports.