Bodhana Sivanandan Makes Chess History as Youngest Female International Master

Eleven-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has made chess history by becoming the youngest female International Master ever recorded, surpassing the record previously held by Hungarian legend Judit Polgar. She secured her third and finalIM norm at the European Club Cup in Budva, Montenegro, on Friday.

Bodhana, who represents England and whose family traces its roots to Tamil Nadu, India, achieved the milestone at the age of 11 years, seven months and 16 days. The accomplishment also places her as the seventh-youngest International Master across both men’s and women’s chess worldwide.

Her path to the IM title has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements. She earned her firstIM norm earlier this year at the Dole Open in France during July, where she defeated French Grandmaster Marc’Andria Maurizzi, rated 2628. Her second norm came at the Chess Olympiad in September, followed by the decisive third norm at the European Club Cup.

• Youngest female International Master in chess history
• Surpassed Judit Polgar’s record that stood for decades
• Seventh-youngest IM across all chess categories
• Three-time Guinness World Record holder
• Previously became youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster
• Youngest winner of the British Women’s Chess Championship earlier this year

The achievement follows closely on the heels of her record-breaking performance at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where she represented England on the top board and scored eight points from 11 rounds. That same event saw her claim the title of youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster.

Bodhana’s rise through the chess ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond her IM title, she already holds three Guinness World Records and has established herself as one of the most talented young players in the game. Her family connection to Tamil Nadu has been a source of pride, with her accomplishments bringing recognition to both her adopted home of England and her heritage.

A Record-Breaking Career

What sets Bodhana apart is not just the singular achievement of becoming the youngest female IM, but the consistency with which she has shattered expectations. From her earliest tournaments to her recent performances on the international stage, she has demonstrated a level of play that belies her age.

Her defeat of a grandmaster-rated opponent at the Dole Open, combined with her Olympiad success and her European Club Cup performance, paints a picture of a player who is not merely talented but thoroughly prepared and mentally mature beyond her years.

As chess history records, Judit Polgar was long considered the standard-bearer for female chess greatness, and Bodhana’s achievement marks a new chapter in that narrative. At 11, she is redefining what is possible in the game.

Looking Ahead

With the IM title now secured, Bodhana’s trajectory suggests she will continue to compete at the highest levels of junior chess. Her combination of natural talent, rigorous preparation, and competitive experience positions her as a player to watch closely in the years ahead.

The chess world now has a new record holder, and Bodhana Sivanandan’s name will be remembered as the youngest female to achieve the International Master title — a milestone that may stand for many years to come.

Source

This report is based on information published by Sportstar (The Hindu) — Chess.

Official source: https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/bodhana-sivanandan-youngest-female-international-master-im-polgar-record-wgm/article71617562.ece