Bodhana Sivanandan, an eight-year-old schoolgirl from Harrow, London, has achieved a remarkable feat in the world of chess. Over the weekend, she emerged victorious at the European Blitz Chess Championship in Zagreb, Croatia. This young chess sensation has been on a winning streak since taking up chess during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
In the European championship, Bodhana competed against some of the world’s top players and secured her crown by defeating an international master. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of the best female player, and she scored 8.5/13 points, gaining 211.2 blitz ELO points.
Social Media Applause for the Chess Prodigy
Social media has been buzzing with praise for Bodhana Sivanandan’s incredible achievement. Leading chess professionals have lauded her “unbelievable” performance, highlighting her as a super-talented player at such a young age.
In a statement, the European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships commended Bodhana, stating, “Eight-year-old super talented Bodhana Sivanandan (ENG, 1944) made an astonishing result in the Blitz competition.”
Family Support and Dedication
Bodhana’s father, Siva Sivanandan, expressed his pride in his daughter’s accomplishment. He mentioned that Bodhana enjoys chess and traveling, and the family’s dedication and continuous efforts have contributed to her success.
Speaking to the BBC after her win, Bodhana modestly shared, “I always try my best to win, sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t.”
Government Support for Chess Development
Months ago, Bodhana was among a group of young chess enthusiasts invited to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This event marked the announcement of a GBP 1 million investment package for chess in England. The package aims to support children in disadvantaged areas, enhance visibility and availability of the game, and fund elite playing.
The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has committed GBP 500,000 over two years to the English Chess Federation (ECF) to nurture the next generation of world-class talent. These funds will facilitate expert coaching, training camps, and advanced computer analysis for international events.
Chess Tables in Public Spaces and Education Initiatives
As part of the broader package, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will allocate GBP 250,000 to 85 local authorities to install 100 new chess tables in public parks and outdoor spaces. This initiative aims to encourage more people to play chess, fostering connections, addressing loneliness, and developing problem-solving skills.
The Sunak-led government is also focused on encouraging primary school children, especially girls, to learn chess. The UK Department for Education plans to grant up to GBP 2,000 to at least 100 schools in disadvantaged areas, supporting the growth of chess among young learners.
In summary, Bodhana Sivanandan’s historic win, coupled with government initiatives, reflects a collective effort to elevate chess in England and provide opportunities for aspiring players across different age groups and backgrounds.
Comments