Harrow schoolgirl and chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has officially added a third Guinness World Records title to her growing collection.
The 11-year-old has been recognised as the youngest chess player ever to achieve the Woman Grandmaster title, following her record-breaking performance for England at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand last month.
The recognition comes just days after Harrow Online reported that Bodhana had made chess history by completing the requirements for the Woman Grandmaster title.
Third world record for Bodhana
Guinness World Records has now officially confirmed the achievement, recording Bodhana as being just 11 years and 203 days old when she secured the title.
She reached the milestone during the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where she played on England’s top board.
Bodhana drew against Georgian Grandmaster Nana Dzagnidze in round 10 on September 26, completing the requirements for the WGM title.
It means the young chess star now holds three Guinness World Records. Her two previous records are for becoming the youngest chess Woman International Master and the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster in a chess tournament.
Both were achieved when she was just 10 years old.
Featured in Guinness World Records 2027
Bodhana’s two earlier achievements are also featured in the new Guinness World Records 2027 book.
Her latest Woman Grandmaster record came too late to be included in this year’s edition, which had already gone to print. She has now received official Guinness World Records certificates recognising her first two achievements.
Speaking about appearing in the new book, Bodhana said: “It is an absolute honour to be featured in Guinness World Records 2027, which gives me huge encouragement and a real morale boost. It motivates me to keep pushing myself and achieve even more.”
A remarkable rise in chess
Bodhana started learning chess at the age of five after becoming fascinated by the knight, which she referred to as the “horsey” piece.
She began competing at six and has since become one of the most exciting young chess players in the world.
Her latest record follows an impressive Chess Olympiad in which she played all 11 rounds for England and scored eight points.
Asked what advice she would give to other young people hoping to become successful at something they love, Bodhana said: “Enjoy what you’re doing and keep playing the game you love.”
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records, said: “Bodhana’s story is a brilliant example of how a child’s curiosity can lead to something extraordinary. These are exceptional achievements, but what makes Bodhana so inspiring is the joy and determination that she continues to bring to the game.
“We’re delighted to officially recognise this latest milestone and to celebrate Bodhana’s earlier record-breaking achievements in Guinness World Records 2027. We hope her story encourages other young people to follow what fascinates them and see just how far their passion can take them.”
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Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
