10-Year-Old Girl Makes History as Youngest Female International Master in Chess

A Young Prodigy Makes History in Chess

A 10-year-old girl from London has made history by becoming the youngest person ever to win the Woman International Master title in chess. Bodhana Sivanandan achieved this remarkable feat during a tournament in Liverpool, England, on August 10. Her victory came after she defeated 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells, marking a significant milestone in her young career.

This achievement is particularly impressive because it surpasses the previous record held by American player Carissa Yip, who was 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days old when she earned the same title in 2019. Bodhana’s win at just 10 years, five months, and three days old solidifies her place in the annals of chess history.

The Woman International Master title is the second-highest honor for women in chess, just below the Woman Grandmaster rank. To earn this title, players must demonstrate exceptional skill and consistency in competitive play. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) recognized Bodhana’s accomplishment, highlighting her as a “British sensation” who has made history by becoming the youngest female chess player ever to beat a grandmaster.

The Mystery Behind Her Talent

Bodhana’s father, an engineering graduate, admits that he and his wife are not particularly skilled at chess. He shared with the BBC that he tried playing league games but was “very poor.” Despite their lack of expertise, Bodhana developed a passion for the game through an unexpected source.

During the pandemic, a friend of her father left a bag of belongings at their home before moving to India. Among the items was a chessboard, which sparked Bodhana’s interest. She began playing and quickly fell in love with the game. “I was interested in the pieces so I started playing,” she told the BBC. Playing chess, she said, makes her feel “good” and helps her with other areas like math and calculation.

A Dedicated Student of the Game

Bodhana practices chess for about an hour after school each day and participates in tournaments on weekends to maintain her sharpness. Her dedication to the game has paid off, as evidenced by her recent success. She also spoke about her approach to competition, noting that she doesn’t typically get intimidated by older opponents.

At ChessFest in Trafalgar Square in July 2024, Bodhana told the BBC that she doesn’t focus on who she’s playing against. “I don’t really notice who I’m playing. I just play the board,” she said. Her advice to aspiring players is simple: “If you lose a game, you should try and learn from it.”

A Rising Star

Bodhana’s story is one of determination, talent, and a deep love for the game. Her achievements have already drawn attention from the chess community and beyond. As she continues to grow and develop her skills, there is no doubt that she will remain a prominent figure in the world of chess.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to young players everywhere, proving that age is not a barrier to greatness. With her natural talent and unwavering commitment, Bodhana Sivanandan is undoubtedly a name to watch in the future of competitive chess.