London, UK – At just 11 years old, British-Indian chess sensation Bodhana Sivanandan has etched her name in history, officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the youngest chess player ever to achieve the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title. This groundbreaking accomplishment was finalized during her participation in the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
A Historic Achievement at the Chess Olympiad
Bodhana secured her third and final WGM norm while representing England at the prestigious international tournament. A norm signifies a certified performance level required for an international chess title. Her exceptional play not only earned her the coveted WGM title but also made her the youngest in history to do so, as confirmed by both FIDE (International Chess Federation) and Guinness World Records.
This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record held by Kateryna Lagno, who achieved the Woman Grandmaster title at 12 years and four months old. Bodhana was a standout performer for England at the Olympiad, playing on the top board and demonstrating her formidable skill.
Third Guinness World Record for the Young Prodigy
The WGM title is Bodhana Sivanandan’s third Guinness World Record. At the age of 10, she was recognized as the youngest female player to earn the Woman International Master (WIM) title. Furthermore, she holds the record for being the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster in a tournament, a victory achieved against Grandmaster Pete Wells when she was 10 years, five months, and three days old.
While Guinness World Records announced her latest achievement on social media, it will not appear in the 2027 edition of their annual book, as that volume had already gone to print.
Indian Roots and Rapid Ascent
Bodhana, who also holds the Woman FIDE Master title, has family roots in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Her meteoric rise in the chess world has captivated audiences in both Britain and India, with many chess experts identifying her as one of the sport's most promising young talents. Her success at the Olympiad is the latest in a series of significant achievements accomplished before her 12th birthday, firmly establishing Bodhana Sivanandan as a rising star in international chess.