Bodhana Sivanandan becomes youngest Woman Grandmaster

Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old British player, has become the youngest Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in chess history. The achievement was confirmed by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) following her performance at the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Representing England, Sivanandan played on the first board for the women's team, competing in all 11 rounds. She finished the tournament with 8 points, securing the third and final norm required to attain the WGM title. This feat surpasses the previous record held by Kateryna Lagno and Hou Yifan, who both achieved the title at age 12.

Sivanandan's interest in chess began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was five years old, after discovering a chessboard among toys and books left by a family friend. She began competing formally in 2021 at the Harrow Chess Club.