In the footsteps of Polgar, the 11-year-old Indian girl who wants to raid the chess

At just 11 years old, Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest British chess champion ever, breaking records and drawing comparisons to one of the sport's most iconic figures, Judit Polgar. The London-based girl, daughter of Indian engineers, triumphed in the recent British Chess Championship, defeating competitors including Trisha Kanyamarala, who was once the first female grandmaster from Ireland. Sivanandan’s victory came after a series of intense matches, with only one loss recorded during the tournament held in Coventry. Her performance marked her as a standout talent in a field increasingly dominated by young prodigies. Born into a family that moved from India to London when she was three, Sivanandan began playing chess during the pandemic, a period that saw many children turn to online games for entertainment and mental stimulation. By age nine, she had already represented Great Britain in the World Youth Chess Championships, showcasing a level of skill far beyond her years. She later became the youngest player to achieve an international master title, a feat previously thought impossible for someone so young. Her rapid ascent continued as she earned the title of grandmaster before turning 12, making her one of the fastest climbers in modern chess history. The competition in which Sivanandan emerged victorious featured both male and female players, with separate rankings for each gender. In this mixed format, she faced off against Shreyas Royal, another rising star from the UK, who holds the record for being the youngest grandmaster in British history. Despite his youth, Royal proved a formidable opponent, yet Sivanandan managed to secure her place as the new national champion. Her success comes amid a growing trend of young talents emerging from the UK, challenging traditional notions of chess excellence. Among the notable names in the global chess scene, Sivanandan finds inspiration in Judit Polgar, the Hungarian player who remains the only woman to have consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 players. While Polgar has long been a symbol of women’s dominance in chess, Sivanandan represents a new generation of players who are not only excelling in technical ability but also pushing boundaries in terms of age and speed of achievement. With a current ranking that places her among the top junior players globally, she is poised to challenge the existing hierarchy of elite players. In addition to her national titles, Sivanandan has achieved a rare feat known as the “triple crown,” winning championships in classical, rapid, and blitz formats. This accomplishment underscores her versatility and mastery across different styles of play. Her performance in 2023, where she won three world youth titles without losing a single game, further solidifies her reputation as a formidable competitor. At just 12, she is already considered one of the most promising prospects in the sport, with potential to compete for the world championship in the future. Looking ahead, Sivanandan will represent Great Britain at the upcoming Chess Olympiad in Samarcanda, where she is expected to take on a key role in the team lineup. Her presence at such high-level events signals a shift in the landscape of competitive chess, where younger players are increasingly taking center stage. As she continues to refine her skills and gain experience, the chess community watches closely, eager to see how she will shape the future of the game. For now, her achievements stand as a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and the evolving nature of sports.