Bodhana Sivanandan has created chess history by becoming Britain’s youngest-ever Women’s Chess Champion at the age of 11. The Indian-origin chess prodigy achieved the milestone at the 2026 British Chess Championships in Coventry. Sivanandan’s victory adds another major achievement to her rapidly developing chess career. Earlier this year, FIDE highlighted her rise after she broke into the top 100 women players globally and became England’s highest-rated female player. The 2026 British Championships also saw 17-year-old Grandmaster Shreyas Royal win the open title. Their victories marked a historic double for Indian-origin young players at the championship. Bodhana’s achievement highlights the growing success of young chess talent and demonstrates how early-age players are making an impact at the highest levels of national competition.
Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes Britain’s Youngest Chess Champion
