Intro
“The story of the 10 Unbelievable Bodhana Record begins when a 10-year-old from Harrow stuns the chess world by defeating a Grandmaster in classical play—establishing herself as the youngest ever to do so. Her win not only earned her a WIM norm but also shattered long-standing records.
Table of Contents
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10-year-old chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan celebrating a victory over Grandmaster in classical tournament, vibrant, inspirational
Bodhana’s Rise: Early Years & Records
Since learning chess during lockdown in 2020, she soared through youth competitions. By 2022, she was world No.1 under-10 girl in blitz, and in 2023 became a Woman Candidate Master. In July 2024, she earned the distinction of being the youngest ever to represent England internationally in any sport, at the Chess Olympiad WikipediaChess.com.
Her climb continued: in early 2025, she achieved a WGM norm at just 10 years and 3 months, outperforming records set by legends like Judit Polgár Financial TimesWikipedia.
Historic Feat at British Chess Championship
At the 2025 British Championship in Liverpool, Bodhana achieved her 10 Unbelievable Bodhana Record—becoming the youngest girl ever to defeat a Grandmaster in classical play by beating GM Peter Wells The GuardianFinancial TimesCBS NewsChess.com.
She also secured her final norm for the Woman International Master title, again setting a new age world record—6 months younger than previous holder Carissa Yip The GuardianChess.comWikipedia.
image Prompt: "Young chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in tense game against Grandmaster at British Chess Championship, thoughtful expression.
What This Means for Women in Chess
Bodhana’s breakout is part of a broader shift in chess’s gender dynamic. Previously, icons like Carissa Yip (who at age ten was the youngest female to beat a GM) made headlines WikipediaThe New Yorker. The path paved by Hou Yifan—who at eleven earned a WGM norm—has been surpassed now The New YorkerWikipedia.
Adding context from the Guardian: Bodhana earned her WIM norm and made headlines alongside GM Michael Adams winning his ninth British title The Guardian.
Global Reaction & Comparisons
Media worldwide recognized the 10 Unbelievable Bodhana Record:
- CBS News headline: “10-year-old becomes youngest female chess player to defeat grandmaster” CBS News.
- Financial Times noted her as youngest to beat a GM in classical game and mention of elite funding in UK chess Financial Times.
- Times of India celebrated a British prodigy making history The Times of India.
Comparatively, the youngest overall GM-beater remains Aswath Kaushik, aged 8, and Aarit Kapil at 9, but for girls, Bodhana’s record stands unmatched Wikipedia.
World map highlighting countries inspired by young female chess prodigy Bodhana’s success, vibrant and inclusive.
What’s Next for Bodhana
At just 10, her trajectory is just beginning. With a WGM norm already in hand and a WIM title secured, she’s on the path to Grandmaster territory. The UK government has even earmarked £1.5 million in support starting 2026 to nurture elite talent—a boost that could support players like her The GuardianFinancial Times.
Her rapid rise reminds us of Hou Yifan’s early breakthrough and signals a new era for women in chess. The world’s watching as the 10 Unbelievable Bodhana Record puts this young star center stage.
Conclusion
The 10 Unbelievable Bodhana Record isn’t just a headline—it’s a seismic shift. A 10-year-old realising a WGM norm, toppling a GM, and rewriting records, all while shifting the chess world’s gender dynamics. Her story redefines what’s possible—and the game will never be the same.
5. External Links:
- The Guardian – context on British Championship and Bodhana & Adams:
▶ Reliable broader sporting coverage. - Wikipedia – Carissa Yip page (legacy record holder):
▶ Historical comparison for “youngest female to beat GM.” - New Yorker – Hou Yifan prodigy profile:
▶ Female chess prodigy context and gender dynamics.
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