11-year-old Indian-origin Bodhana Sivanandan becomes youngest female International Master

Budva: Eleven-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan, a British chess prodigy of Indian origin, has become the youngest female player in history to achieve the International Master title requirements, breaking a record held by Hungarian chess legend Judit Polgar since 1988.

Sivanandan achieved the milestone after defeating Swedish Woman International Master Viktoria Johansson in the final round of the European Club Cup in Budva, Montenegro. The victory secured her third and final International Master norm, completing a key requirement for the title.

At 11 years, seven months and 16 days, Sivanandan surpassed Polgar, who achieved the International Master title at the age of 12. The feat also places the young player among the youngest International Masters in chess history, across both genders.

Born and raised in Harrow, north-west London, Sivanandan has emerged as one of Britain's most promising young chess talents. Her Indian heritage has also drawn attention to her achievement among chess followers in India and the Indian diaspora.

Representing the English women's team She Plays To Win Lionesses A, Sivanandan finished the tournament with five wins, one draw and one defeat. Despite losing her opening game against grandmaster Aleksandra Goryachkina, she recovered with a series of strong performances against experienced international opponents.

The International Master title is open to players of all genders and ranks below Grandmaster. Players generally need three qualifying norms and a rating of at least 2,400 to meet the International Master requirements.

Sivanandan has already achieved several milestones in her young career, including becoming the youngest British women's chess champion. She also earned the requirements for the Woman Grandmaster title during the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan last month.