Bodhana Sivanandan of Indian origin creates three new records in chess
London: This is a golden era for Indian chess, with one player after another emerging as a global superstar. Now, 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan, a girl of Indian origin, has made history. She has set not one, but two world records and also created a new record in England.
Bodhana, who lives in England, has become the youngest ever female player in the world to earn the title of International Master (IM) in chess. Not only that, she is also the youngest female player in the world to defeat a Grandmaster (GM). In addition, Bodhana has become the youngest player ever to represent England in any international competition. She first represented England last year, at the age of just nine.
Defeated a 60-year-old Grandmaster
This week, in the final round of the British Chess Championships in Liverpool, Bodhana stunned the chess world by defeating 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells.
Broke an American player’s world record
In terms of being the youngest to defeat a Grandmaster, Bodhana broke a six-year-old world record held by American player Carissa Yip. Bodhana’s age is 10 years, five months, and three days. Carissa was 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days old when she achieved the feat in 2019.
Determined to become a GM
In chess, Grandmaster is considered the highest title, and after becoming an IM, Bodhana is now determined to achieve GM status. She currently holds the rank of Woman International Master (WIM). It is worth noting that recently, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur won the World Cup and automatically earned the GM title.
Father astonished by daughter’s skill
Bodhana Sivanandan’s father’s name is Shiva. Last year, in an interview with a well-known British website, he said: “Neither my wife nor I can play chess well at all, but we are amazed at what our daughter Bodhana has achieved in this game of intellect.”
Used to think chess pieces were toys
Bodhana began playing chess in 2020 at the age of five. At first, she thought the chess pieces were toys. In an interview, she said: “When I saw a chessboard for the first time, I loved it. I really liked the pieces. I thought they were toys representing animals, but my dad told me they were not toys — this was a great game with competition. From then on, I became absorbed in chess.”
Many special qualities
British Chess Federation spokesperson Danny Gormally said: “Bodhana moves her pieces very naturally, yet her game also shows firmness and accuracy. She quietly traps her opponent and then defeats them. I see skills in her similar to those of world number one and former world champion Magnus Carlsen.”
Chess helps in mathematics
When asked why she has such deep interest in chess, Bodhana said: “I love playing chess. It makes me very happy. Also, playing chess has helped me improve in mathematics. Because of chess, I can calculate much better.”