Bodhana breaks Judit Polgar’s record, becomes IM at 11

Bodhana Sivanandan Sets New Mark as Youngest Female International Master

Indiadailyupdate.com – At just 11 years old, Bodhana Sivanandan has added another remarkable milestone to her fast-growing chess career, becoming the youngest female player in history to earn the International Master title. The Indian-origin British player secured the final norm she needed at the European Club Cup, surpassing a record set by Judit Polgar almost four decades ago.

Bodhana completed the achievement by winning her final-round game against Swedish Woman International Master Viktoria Johansson, who was rated 2034. That victory delivered her third and final IM norm, a decisive step in receiving one of chess’s most respected titles.

Judit Polgar had earned the IM title in 1988 when she was 12. Bodhana’s accomplishment therefore moves the benchmark down by more than a year, underlining how early she has reached a level usually associated with far more experienced competitors.

A Place Among Chess’s Youngest International Masters

The Harrow-based player is now the seventh-youngest International Master of any gender. She stands in the all-time age list below World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov and ahead of reigning world champion D Gukesh.

An International Master title is a major landmark in competitive chess. Players generally need to achieve strong performances against high-level opposition on three separate occasions, known as norms, while also meeting the required rating threshold. Reaching that standard at 11 highlights not only Bodhana’s ability but also her consistency against seasoned tournament players.

For young chess players, a title such as IM can open the door to stronger tournaments and more regular opportunities to compete against elite opposition. Bodhana has already shown that she can handle those demands while continuing her studies.

A Growing Collection of Records

Bodhana, whose father is from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, has repeatedly set age-related records during her rise. She previously became the youngest player ever to achieve a Woman Grandmaster norm, and she is also the youngest female player to receive the Woman International Master title.

In 2025, she became the youngest girl to defeat a grandmaster. Later, at the age of 11 years and four months, she set another mark as the youngest girl ever to score an International Master norm. The successful European Club Cup campaign brought the final piece of that IM journey into place.

Her results have also made an impact in British domestic chess. Bodhana won the women’s title at the British Championships, taking a record that had stood since 1939. Elaine Pritchard had been 13 when she won the title outright, but Bodhana bettered that age mark.

Such achievements carry significance beyond a list of records. They show how quickly a gifted young player can progress when talent, curiosity and regular high-level competition come together. In chess, where preparation and experience often play a huge role, producing strong results at an early age is especially notable.

From a Chess Set During the Pandemic to International Success

Bodhana’s introduction to chess began when she was five. During the pandemic, a family friend preparing to return to India gave some belongings to her father. Among them was a chess set that caught her attention.

She was drawn first to the appearance of the pieces, then became increasingly interested after learning how the game worked. Videos helped her develop further, while her competitive instincts grew alongside her understanding of strategy and tactics.

“I just liked how the pieces looked, and then when I learnt the basics, I enjoyed it. I kept watching videos and wanted to learn. I suppose I was a bit competitive at the start, but after I began playing chess, I think I’ve become a lot more competitive.”

Outside tournament halls, Bodhana is a Class 6 student who enjoys mathematics and chess endgames. She also plays some violin and piano. Her interest in endgames is fitting for a player whose latest historic result came through a final-round win, where concentration and accuracy can be as important as opening preparation.

Despite the scale of her British Championship victory, her response was understated. Rather than planning an elaborate celebration, she quickly turned her focus back to training for the Olympiad.

“I didn’t do much. I just kind of went back to chess and started preparing for the Olympiad.”

What Comes Next

Bodhana’s International Master title marks a historic moment, but it is also a platform for the next stage of her development. Chess careers are built over years, and early achievements do not remove the challenges of maintaining form, improving against stronger opponents and balancing competition with school life.

Still, her record-breaking run has already placed her among the most closely watched young talents in the game. By breaking Polgar’s long-standing age record and joining the youngest International Masters in history, Bodhana has established a new reference point for girls entering competitive chess.

Her path from discovering a chess set during the pandemic to earning the IM title at 11 offers a simple reminder of the game’s appeal: an initial fascination with the board can develop into a lasting pursuit, one move, one tournament and one hard-earned result at a time.