- Bodhana Sivanandan, 9, to represent England in Chess Olympiad.
- Achieved European Blitz Chess Championship victory in Zagreb.
- Celebrated by UK government with major chess investment package.
Bodhana Sivanandan, a nine-year-old schoolgirl from Harrow, has been selected to join the England Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, making her the youngest person to represent England in any sport. Her journey into chess began during the pandemic lockdown, and her talent quickly surfaced, culminating in her winning the European Blitz Chess Championship in December.
Nine-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Joins England Women’s Team for Olympiad
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she was invited to 10 Downing Street by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to mark a GBP 1 million investment in chess. This package aims to support disadvantaged schools, enhance the game’s visibility, and develop elite players through expert coaching and training. The investment also includes installing chess tables in public parks to promote community engagement.
In December, Bodhana’s talent was further recognized when she won the European Blitz Chess Championship in Zagreb, Croatia. This victory brought her into the spotlight, earning her the label of “super talented” within the chess community. Her rapid rise in the chess world has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Bodhana’s achievements have also caught the attention of the UK government. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak invited her to 10 Downing Street to celebrate a significant investment in chess. The GBP 1 million package aims to support children in disadvantaged areas, fund elite player development, and promote chess in public spaces.
The investment includes GBP 500,000 for the English Chess Federation to enhance training for current and future grandmasters. Additionally, GBP 250,000 will be allocated to local authorities to install new chess tables in public parks, fostering community engagement and problem-solving skills. The Department for Education also offers grants to encourage more children, particularly girls, to learn chess.
Bodhana Sivanandan’s historic selection to the England Women‘s Team not only highlights her exceptional talent but also reflects the growing support for chess in the UK. Her achievements inspire a new generation of young players and demonstrate the impact of investing in educational and recreational activities.
“It’s exciting – she’s on course to be one of the best British players ever.” – Malcolm Pein, England Chess Team Manager.
