England's Bodhana Sivanandan becomes International Master at age of 11, breaks 38-year-old record
11-year-old British Indian chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest female International Master in history. She broke a 38-year-old record previously held by Judit Polgar.
Why it matters
This achievement marks a significant milestone in competitive chess, highlighting the rise of young talent in the sport.
England's Bodhana Sivanandan becomes International Master at age of 11, breaks 38-year-old record left British Indian Chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan poses for photographs with her Guinness World Records' certificates. PTI PTI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/kyqvvw/article71619160.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI10_02_2026_000385B.jpg - **EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE; TO GO WITH STORY** In this image received on Oct. 2, 2026, British Indian Chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan poses for photographs with her Guinness World Records' certificates. (Handout via PTI Photo)(PTI10_02_2026_000385B) At this week's European Women's Chess Club Cup, Sivanandan came close to drawing her opening-round match against Russian Grandmaster Aleksandra Goryachkina before defeating Belarusian International Master Olga Badelka in the third round London Indian-origin English chess player Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest female International Master (IM) at the age of 11, breaking a 38-year-old record set by Judit Polgar.
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