Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ In a historic achievement, an eight-year-old British Indian schoolgirl, Bodhana Sivanandan, has etched her name in chess history by clinching the title of the best female player at the European Blitz Chess Championship in Zagreb, Croatia. Hailing from Harrow in north-west London, Sivanandan’s exceptional journey to victory began during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown when she first embraced the game of chess.
The European championship witnessed Sivanandan engaging in intense battles against some of the world’s most formidable players, ultimately securing her triumph by defeating an international master. The eight-year-old prodigy displayed a remarkable score of 8.5/13 points, claiming the prestigious first women’s prize and earning an impressive 211.2 blitz ELO points. The European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, concluding in Croatia, echoed praise for the young talent’s astonishing performance.
Social media platforms quickly became a stage for accolades, with renowned chess professionals acknowledging Sivanandan’s prowess. The chess community marveled at her skills, with some describing her performance as “unbelievable.”
“I always try my best to win, sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t,” shared Sivanandan modestly in an interview with the BBC following her remarkable victory. Her father, Siva Sivanandan, expressed pride in his daughter’s dedication, noting that her passion for chess and travel has been a driving force.
Months ago, Sivanandan had the honor of being among a group of young chess enthusiasts invited to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The gathering marked the announcement of a GBP 1 million investment package by the government to support chess initiatives, particularly in schools across England. This funding aims to enhance the visibility of the game, make it more accessible, and contribute to the development of elite players.
Jitendra Singh, father of another British Indian chess prodigy, nine-year-old Shreyas Royal, lauded the government’s grant, emphasizing its crucial role in supporting chess tournaments and coaching for young talents. The package includes a GBP 500,000 investment in the English Chess Federation over two years to nurture the next generation of world-class talent.
As part of the broader initiative, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities will allocate GBP 250,000 to 85 local authorities to install 100 new chess tables in public parks and green spaces. This move aims to promote chess as a recreational activity, fostering community engagement and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Sunak-led government intends to encourage primary school children, particularly girls, to learn chess. The Department for Education will provide grants of up to GBP 2,000 to at least 100 schools in disadvantaged areas, fostering inclusivity and broadening the reach of chess education.
