Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated Bodhana Sivanandan, who recently became England’s top-ranked female chess player at just 11 years old.
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Rishi Sunak’s Message of Congratulations
In a post on X, Sunak shared a picture with Bodhana. He wrote, “Huge congratulations to Bodhana Sivanandan on becoming England’s top female chess player at just 11. We once played each other in the Downing Street garden. Let’s just say her success has not come as a shock.”
Huge congratulations to Bodhana Sivanandan on becoming England’s top female chess player at just 11 years old.
We once played each other in the Downing Street garden. Let’s just say her success has not come as a shock! pic.twitter.com/KZ2EcXysyO
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 2, 2026
Bodhana’s Rapid Rise in Chess Rankings
Bodhana, based in North London, has rapidly climbed the rankings. She performed consistently in both international and domestic tournaments. As a result, she claimed the top spot among English female players. Now, she holds a ranking of No. 72 globally, according to the English Chess Federation.
Breaking Records and Overcoming Challenges
In April 2026, Bodhana surpassed four-time British Women’s Champion Lan Yao, 25. This achievement made her the top-ranked female player in England. Additionally, Bodhana’s new FIDE rating of 2366 now places her ahead of women players from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
A Chess Prodigy with an Extraordinary Journey
Bodhana was born on March 7, 2015, in London to parents from Tiruchirappalli, India. She began playing chess at age five during the pandemic. At seven, she won gold medals at the European Schools Championship. Later, at nine, she became England’s youngest Olympiad player. At 10, she earned the Woman International Master title after defeating a grandmaster.
A Mixed Response to Her Success
Some online comments have questioned Bodhana’s “Englishness” because of her Indian heritage. Defenders quickly called out this ethnic gatekeeping.
Bodhana’s rise in chess reflects her dedication and exceptional talent. Her success continues to inspire young players and proves her potential in the global chess arena.
