Young Chess Stars to Watch in 2026 - Bodhana Sivanandan

 

Bodhana Sivanandan had an amazing year in 2025 and is a young player we definitely want to see more of and keep our eyes on in 2026.

In August 2025 at the British Chess Championship, Bodhana became the youngest ever to earn the Woman International Master title in chess at the age of ten years, five months, and three days. The title was previously held by Carissa Yip.

Grandmaster is the highest title a chess player can attain, and Bodhana’s new title, Woman International Master – is the second-highest ranking title given to women, second only to Woman Grandmaster.

Bodhana first took up chess during the Covid-19 pandemic when she was five years old and represents England in tournaments.

 

Some of Bodhana’s other achievements include:

2022 – Became England’s first World Youth Champion in 25 years, and had a perfect score in the under-8 category.

2022 – Won three gold medals at the European Schools age group championship, winning all 24 games she played.

2025 – Defeated Grandmaster Peter Wells, becoming the youngest female to achieve this feat at just 10 years old.

2025 – Received her first Woman Grandmaster norm.

 

Bodhana said she hopes to achieve her ultimate goal and become a grandmaster, and we can’t wait to watch this young prodigy’s journey unfold!

 

image source: www.bbc.com