Who Is 10-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan? Family 'Stunned' by Daughter's Meteoric Rise and Titles

At just 10 years, 5 months and 3 days old, Bodhana Sivanandan from Harrow in north-west London, has made chess history — becoming the youngest female player ever to defeat a grandmaster.

Her victory over 60-year-old G M Peter Wells in the final round of the British Chess Championships in Liverpool was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent from one of the game's brightest young talents.

Breaking Records and Securing Titles

Bodhana's triumph over Wells broke the previous record set in 2019 by American I M Carissa Yip, who was nearly seven months older when she achieved the same feat. The win also secured Bodhana's final norm for the Woman International Master (WIM) title and her first norm toward the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title.

Her current titles include:

• Woman FIDE Master (WFM) – awarded in 2024
• Woman Candidate Master (WCM) – awarded in 2023
• Woman International Master (WIM) – secured in August 2025

Her FIDE rating now stands at 2216 in classical chess, with rapid and blitz ratings of 2267 and 2192, respectively.

From Lockdown Hobby to Global Recognition

Bodhana's journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown when she stumbled upon a chessboard among belongings gifted by a family friend. Her father, Sivanandan Velayutham, an IT professional originally from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, downloaded Chess.com to help her learn the game, thinking it might be a passing interest.

'I knew just basic chess, so I downloaded Chess.com to help her learn by watching the videos there. Back then, I just got her a free version, thinking she might not continue the sport,' he told The Indian Express.

Little did he know that Bodhana would go on to win three world titles in the under-eight category and become England's first World Youth Chess Champion in 25 years.

When asked about her interest in chess, Bodhana said: 'I like that it activates your brain and that it involves strategy and calculation.'

Style and Strategy Beyond Her Years

Commentators and grandmasters alike have marvelled at Bodhana's calmness and maturity on the board.

English Chess Federation commentator Danny Gormally described her play as 'simple positional moves... substantial,' adding, 'She tends to outplay her opponents later in the game. There's a touch of Magnus Carlsen or the great José Raúl Capablanca about her play.'

Her favourite players include Capablanca, Judit Polgar, and Carlsen, though she ranks Capablanca highest for his endgame mastery.

National Recognition and Cultural Pride

At just eight years old, Bodhana was invited to 10 Downing Street by then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to help launch a government chess initiative. She often enters tournaments wearing a bindi and vibhuti, symbols of her Tamil heritage, and carries a cushion to help her reach across the board.

Despite her reserved nature—she's known for one-sentence replies—her presence is commanding. 'She has a very strong work ethic,' said Tim Wall, Director of Junior Chess at the English Chess Federation. 'She certainly has a very high ceiling.'

The family's support has been instrumental, with her father managing her schedule and training while ensuring she maintains a balanced education. Bodhana also plays the piano and prioritises schoolwork alongside her chess commitments.

What's Next for Bodhana?

Bodhana has expressed her ambition to become a grandmaster and eventually world champion. Experts believe she could achieve the grandmaster title within three to four years. Her recent performances, including a 2400-rated showing in France and a top finish in the British Championships open category, suggest she's well on her way.

'She must be some kind of magician,' exclaimed Gormally during her match against Wells. That sentiment is echoed across the chess world, where Bodhana is no longer just a rising star—she's a force to be reckoned with.