Bodhana Sivanandan, a remarkable nine-year-old chess prodigy of Indian origin, is poised to create history by becoming the youngest person ever to represent England internationally in any sport. Hailing from Harrow in north-west London, Bodhana will join the England Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, scheduled for September this year.
Bodhana Sivanandan’s rise to fame
Bodhana first discovered chess during the pandemic lockdown when a friend gifted her a chessboard. Intrigued by the pieces, she began playing, and her talent quickly blossomed. Last December, Sivanandan secured victory at the European Blitz Chess Championship in Zagreb, Croatia, earning acclaim as a “super talented” player.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak invited Bodhana and other young chess enthusiasts to 10 Downing Street, marking the government’s GBP 1 million investment package to support chess in schools and fund elite playing.
"I'm really happy".
Nine-year-old chess player, Bodhana Sivanandan, is set to become the youngest person ever to represent England internationally in any sport.
She spoke to @SkySarahJane alongside her dad.
https://t.co/WjGIp3Itz8📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 pic.twitter.com/vZItn7jjS0
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 3, 2024
Bodhana’s ascent to the England Women’s Team reflects her dedication and skill. Her father, Siva Sivanandan, an engineering graduate, remains mystified by her innate talent for chess.
As we eagerly await the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Bodhana’s journey exemplifies the power of chess to transcend age, nationality, and boundaries. Let’s celebrate this young prodigy’s achievements and cheer her on in September.
Also Read: Neeraj Chopra to Lead 28-member Indian Athletics Team at Paris 2024 Olympics
