Bodhana Sivanandan, a nine-year-old chess prodigy from Harrow, England, has become the youngest-ever player to represent her country at a major international sporting event. Her selection for the England women’s team at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest has sparked both admiration and a torrent of racist abuse on social media.
Despite the vile comments, Bodhana’s family remains unfazed. “We realize there’s no pleasing everyone,” said her father, Sivanandan. “There will always be people who feel she should play for India or those who believe she shouldn’t play for England.”
Bodhana’s journey to chess stardom began during the pandemic when she discovered a chess set among her father’s belongings. She quickly became hooked and began making rapid strides in the game. At the age of eight, she became the Under-8 world champion.
Her talent has drawn attention from chess legend Judit Polgar, who recently spent time with Bodhana in Budapest. “I want to become a world champion and one of the greatest players in the world,” Bodhana told Polgar.
Despite her success, Bodhana remains grounded. “She doesn’t really take her wins too seriously nor do losses break her,” said her father. “She pretty much has a neutral reaction to both.”
Bodhana’s family is determined to support her chess aspirations while ensuring she has a well-rounded education. “You go to school only once in life,” said Sivanandan. “What you learn in school, whether it’s social skills or just having friends with whom you can talk to about things other than chess, is hard to replicate at home.”
Bodhana’s story is an inspiration to young chess players everywhere. It shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible, regardless of age or background.
