Samarkand (Uzbekistan): Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest Woman Grandmaster in chess history after securing her final qualifying norm at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The 11-year-old represented England and played all 11 rounds on the team’s top board. She finished the Olympiad with eight points and produced a performance that added another milestone to her rapid rise in international chess.

Bodhana’s achievement was confirmed after she fulfilled the requirements for the Woman Grandmaster title. She became the youngest player ever to complete the necessary norms, breaking the previous age record held by players who achieved the title at 12.

Her latest success follows a series of notable breakthroughs. Last month, she became Britain’s youngest-ever Women’s Chess Champion at the 2026 British Chess Championships. She also became the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster in August 2025.

Bodhana first began playing chess during the COVID-19 lockdown. Her progress since then has been rapid, with coaches and organisers identifying her as one of the most promising young players in the international game.

At the Olympiad, her results also earned her a second International Master norm, moving her closer to the coveted International Master title. Although she is still a schoolgirl in London, Bodhana has already established herself on the senior competitive circuit.

Her performance in Samarkand came during a strong tournament for Indian chess as well. India won silver in the Open section and bronze in the women’s competition while retaining the Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy as the best overall-performing country.

Bodhana has said she hopes to continue competing at the highest level and create more milestones. Her achievement has drawn attention to the growing global presence of young women in chess.