New Delhi: Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has become England’s top-rated female player, according to the latest FIDE list. At just 11 years old, she now has a rating of 2366 and has overtaken four-time British women’s champion Lin Yao. Based in North London, Bodhana’s journey is particularly notable as she only played chess during the COVID-19 lockdown.Her success has not stopped at the national level, Bodhana has also broken into the world’s top 100 female athletes for the first time, currently ranked 72nd.
Her rise has been described as extraordinary, especially for a young schoolgirl who started playing after discovering an old chess set at home. The story goes that her father was about to dump her, but that moment changed her life.She has already earned the title of Women’s International Master and continues to inspire globally. One of her standout moments came when she defeated former world champion Maria Mozyczak at a major European tournament in Greece.His achievement has been praised by many people, including the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Rishi Sinkwho shared a personal memory. “Congratulations to Bodhana Sivanandan for becoming England’s top female chess player at the age of just 11. We played each other once in Downing Street Gardens. Let’s just say her success has not come as a shock,” he said.Officials from the English Chess Federation also praised his influence. “She is blazing a trail not just for women and girls in the game, but for all chess players in England. In all of the sport, she must be one of the most outstanding talents England has ever produced,” said CEO Richard Walsh.With her dedication and family support, Bodhana is already competing at a high level, and her journey is just beginning.
