In a dazzling display of intellect and composure, 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has etched her name into chess history by becoming the youngest female player ever to defeat a grandmaster in a classical match. Her victory over 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells during the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships has sent ripples across the global chess community, marking a new era of youth dominance in the sport.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the record-breaking moment and its wider significance:
1. The Historic Match
- The game took place on August 10, 2025, during the final round of the British Chess Championships held in Liverpool
- Bodhana, representing India and the UK, faced off against veteran Grandmaster Peter Wells, a formidable opponent with decades of experience
- With calm precision and tactical brilliance, Bodhana secured a win that stunned spectators and analysts alike
- At just 10 years, 5 months, and 3 days old, she surpassed the previous record held by American chess prodigy Carissa Yip, who was nearly 11 when she defeated a grandmaster in 2014
2. Key Highlights of Bodhana’s Achievement
- Bodhana’s win makes her the youngest female chess player in history to beat a grandmaster in a classical format
- She was awarded the title of Woman International Master (WIM), the second-highest title for female players after Woman Grandmaster
- Her victory came just hours before another 10-year-old Indian girl, Keya Jha, set a U.S. record by defeating GM Bryan Smith in Ohio, underscoring a powerful surge of young talent from India
3. Origins of a Prodigy
- Bodhana began playing chess at age 5 after discovering a chessboard among donated toys during the COVID-19 lockdown
- Initially drawn to the pieces as playthings, she was encouraged by her father to learn the game instead
- She quickly progressed from casual play to competitive tournaments, learning strategies through YouTube videos and online platforms
- Her rapid ascent has been described as organic and self-driven, with no formal chess lineage in her family
4. Reactions from the Chess World
- The International Chess Federation (FIDE) celebrated her achievement with a congratulatory post, calling it a historic moment
- Malcolm Pein, director of international chess at the English Chess Federation, suggested Bodhana could become the greatest women’s chess player of all time
- Fans and experts alike praised her poise, creativity, and fearlessness in facing seasoned opponents
5. Broader Implications for Indian Chess
- Bodhana’s win adds to India’s growing reputation as a global chess powerhouse, following in the footsteps of legends like Viswanathan Anand and rising stars like R Praggnanandhaa
- Her success is expected to inspire a new wave of young players, especially girls, to take up the sport
- Chess academies across India are already reporting increased interest and enrollment following her record-breaking performance
6. What Comes Next for Bodhana
- With the WIM title now under her belt, Bodhana is eligible to compete in higher-level international tournaments
- She is expected to pursue the Woman Grandmaster and eventually the full Grandmaster title in the coming years
- Her journey will be closely watched by fans, mentors, and sponsors eager to support her meteoric rise
7. A New Chapter in Youth Chess
- Bodhana’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a cultural moment, redefining what young minds can accomplish in traditionally adult-dominated arenas
- Her story blends innocence, curiosity, and brilliance—reminding the world that talent knows no age
Sources: ABC News, Yahoo Sports, Chess.com, Men's Journal, International Chess Federation (FIDE)
