Bodhana Sivanandan: From Pandemic Hobby to Chess Prodigy at 9

In the quiet borough of Harrow, London, a remarkable story has unfolded over the past few years. Bodhana Sivanandan, a bright and determined fourth-grader, has risen to become one of England’s best chess players at just 9 years old. This incredible journey began during the pandemic lockdown when she discovered chess—a hobby that quickly turned into a passion and eventually a prodigious talent.

The Discovery of a Lifetime

In 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bodhana, then just 5 years old, stumbled upon an old chessboard that her father, Sivanandan Velayutham, had planned to discard. Intrigued by the pieces, especially the knight and the queen, she began to explore the game. Her father explained the basics, and soon, she was hooked.

“I was interested in the pieces, and I wanted to use them as toys,” Bodhana recalled. “I was mainly interested in the knight and the queen.”

Her curiosity quickly transformed into a keen interest in learning the game. With the abundance of free time during lockdown, Bodhana watched YouTube tutorials and played chess online, rapidly improving her skills.

Rapid Ascent in the Chess World

Within a year, Bodhana’s talent became evident as she started winning online tournaments and consistently defeating her father. By 2021, she had burst onto the competitive chess scene, earning accolades and recognition from seasoned players and coaches.

In December 2023, Bodhana achieved a significant milestone by winning the first women’s prize at the European Blitz Chess Championship. Her impressive performance and rapid rise through the ranks earned her the title of Woman FIDE Master, bestowed by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

Her extraordinary journey took a historic turn when she was selected to represent England at the prestigious Chess Olympiad in 2024, making her the youngest player ever to join the English national team and possibly the youngest participant in any international sporting competition.

“I was happy and I was ready to play,” Bodhana said after learning of her selection for the Olympiad.

Training and Mentorship

Bodhana’s meteoric rise is supported by her rigorous training regimen and the guidance of experienced mentors. She dedicates an hour each day to chess training, balancing her studies and other activities. Her favorite player to study is the late Cuban grandmaster José Raúl Capablanca, particularly his endgame techniques.

Malcolm Pein, the director of international chess at the English Chess Federation, praised Bodhana’s strategic prowess and composure. “She’s a positional player with a keen awareness of the pieces’ position relative to each other on the board,” he noted. “She doesn’t rush headlong into sacrificial attacks and maintains a very cool, focused demeanor at the board with an incredible determination to win.”

A Rising Star Bodhana Sivanandan Among Peers

Bodhana’s achievements have placed her among an elite group of young chess prodigies in England. At ChessFest in London’s Trafalgar Square, she played simultaneous exhibition games, showcasing her talent alongside other young chess stars like Supratit Banerjee, Shreyas Royal, and Ethan Pang.

The enthusiasm and talent of young players like Bodhana highlight a broader trend in the chess world. The game has seen a surge in popularity, particularly among young people and women, driven by pandemic-induced boredom and the success of Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit.”

Looking Ahead

With her eyes set on becoming the youngest grandmaster in the world, Bodhana is determined to continue her ascent in the chess world. She has three years to achieve her goal and surpass the record set by American player Abhimanyu Mishra, who became a grandmaster at 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days old.

Bodhana’s father, Mr. Velayutham, emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game without undue pressure. “At the end of the day, she is a kid, right? I don’t want to set the milestones. Let her set her own milestones,” he said.

Bodhana Sivanandan’s journey from discovering chess during a pandemic lockdown to becoming a prodigy and a representative of England at the Chess Olympiad is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity, dedication, and the timeless appeal of chess. As she continues to pursue her dreams, Bodhana remains a shining example of what young minds can achieve with passion and perseverance.

Celebrate International Chess Day by sharing Bodhana’s incredible journey and supporting the next generation of chess talent. Let her story inspire many more young players to explore the fascinating world of chess.

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