Sivanandan’s remarkable journey, which began during the COVID-19 lockdown, has culminated in a historic win, defeating international competitors and securing the prestigious title
In a groundbreaking achievement, eight-year-old chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan, a British Indian schoolgirl hailing from Harrow, North-West London, has emerged victorious as the “super talented” best female player at the European Blitz Chess Championship held in Zagreb, Croatia. Sivanandan’s remarkable journey, which began during the COVID-19 lockdown, has culminated in a historic win, defeating international competitors and securing the prestigious title.
The young chess sensation showcased her prowess by going head-to-head with some of the world’s top players, including defeating an international master during the European championship. Her impressive performance, scoring 8.5/13 points, earned her the first women’s prize and a notable increase of 211.2 blitz ELO points, as announced by the European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on December 17.
Social media has since been flooded with praise for Sivanandan, with industry professionals commending her “unbelievable” accomplishments. In an interview with the BBC, she modestly shared, “I always try my best to win, sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t.”
The Sunak-led government is actively encouraging more primary school children, especially girls, to learn chess. The Department for Education plans to award grants of up to GBP 2,000 to at least 100 schools in disadvantaged areas across England, further promoting the growth and accessibility of chess among the youth
Sivanandan’s father, Siva Sivanandan, expressed pride in his daughter’s dedication, stating, “She likes chess and she likes traveling. We keep trying and keep going.” The family’s commitment to the game has been further acknowledged, considering Sivanandan’s recent visit to 10 Downing Street as part of a group of young chess enthusiasts invited by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The occasion marked the government’s substantial GBP 1 million investment in chess, aimed at supporting chess education in disadvantaged areas across England.
As part of this initiative, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is investing GBP 500,000 in the English Chess Federation (ECF) over two years to nurture the next generation of world-class talent. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is also contributing GBP 250,000 to install 100 new chess tables in public parks and green spaces across 85 local authorities, fostering community engagement and problem-solving skills.
Additionally, the Sunak-led government is actively encouraging more primary school children, especially girls, to learn chess. The Department for Education plans to award grants of up to GBP 2,000 to at least 100 schools in disadvantaged areas across England, further promoting the growth and accessibility of chess among the youth.
************************************************************************
Readers
