The story revolves of a girl named Bodhana Sivanandan. Only 10 years of age, but a person of achievements already. In the 2025 British Chess Championships that were being held in Liverpool, Bodhana not only participated but also won against 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells. With that, she not only claimed the title of the youngest female to defeat a Grandmaster but forever inscribed her name in the history books of chess. In addition to that, let that sink in, she is only 10.
Key Moments from the Game
The game started with King’s Pawn opening by Bodhana that turned into Sicilian Defence Moscow variation. Throughout the middlegame Peter had a domination position until move 39 where Peter tried to threat f1 rook with a possibility to discovered attack through the open diagonal. However, Bodhana found the best move Re1.
At this position, due to a few seconds left on the clock made another blunder Qc6 because after rook at d5 is traded with white knight, Peter totally forgot about the back-rank threat Re8+. At this point Peter’s time ran out while Bodhana already in a winning position.
How It All Started
The start of Bodhana’s journey is rather unorthodox. During the lockdown period of Covid, a chess set was gifted to her. She initially used the pieces as dolls, but her dad prompted her to not only try out the game, but to learn it. That decision transformed all of her destiny.
Fast forward a few years, and she’s not only playing chess, she is breaking records. At the age of 8, her performance was already remarkable as the in the European Blitz Chess Championships, she claimed the title of the best female player. Merely a year later she was also able to represent England on an global platform.
A few years later, she is not just playing chess; she is breaking records. She gained notoriety when she earned the title of the best female player at the European Blitz Chess Championship at just eight years old. Shortly thereafter, she began playing for England.
Breaking Records Left and Right
- Winning against Peter Wells is just one of many milestones in her journey, and it’s far from her last. Here’s a snapshot of some of her most notable accomplishments.
- Winning all of her games in the European Schools Championship in 2022, achieving a perfect 24 out of 24.
- Winning the title of Woman Candidate Master and the top English player at the European Blitz Championship in 2023.
- At the Chess Olympiad in Budapest in 2024, she made history as the youngest person to ever play for England in any sport, joining the women’s team.
- In 2025 she not only defeated a grandmaster, but also earned the title of Woman International Master (WIM), only a step away from Woman Grandmaster.
All of this before even completing Primary School.
Final Thoughts
Bodhana Sivanandan is not just a chess and a chess prodigy; she is proof that the imagination and aspirations of a child need not be restricted to age. With a chessboard, a measure of bravery, and a hefty amount of determination, she’s transformed the entire trajectory of her life.
And here is the real motivation for parents and kids: It’s the essence of Bodhana’s story and why it’s inspiring. This is what happens when children are allowed the freedom to discover what lies within them, an ideal setting and positive motivation can transform a mere pastime into an extraordinary adventure.
All children deserve such an opportunity, and at New England Chess School that is precisely what we strive for. With our experienced instructors and convenient online sessions, we provide children the chance to learn and achieve, and perhaps, someday, help them take strides like Bodhana. Who knows? The next big chess star might just be your child.