UK Chess Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Inspires Government Investment

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 21 December 2023

Bodhana Sivanandan, an eight-year-old from Harrow in northwestern London, has won the European Blitz Chess Championship in Zagreb, Croatia. During the weekend tournament, the little prodigy displayed her talent by defeating foreign opponents, including an international master.

Bodhana's amazing chess career began during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and her dedication has ultimately earned her the title of best female player in the prestigious European event. Her exceptional performance was recognized in the European Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, where she received 8.5/13 points and 211.2 blitz ELO points.

On social media, professionals complimented the young chess prodigy, calling her "unbelievable" talents. Bodhana's father, Siva Sivanandan, expressed his pride, remarking that his daughter's hard work had paid off.

Bodhana's success reflects the British government's commitment to chess development. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has announced a GBP 1 million investment plan for the game, with the purpose of assisting schools in underserved areas, raising chess awareness, and subsidizing elite participation.

As part of this program, the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) will invest GBP 500,000 in the English Chess Federation (ECF) over two years, with a focus on fostering the next generation of chess talent. Furthermore, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) will fund GBP 250,000 in the construction of 100 new chess tables in public places across England to encourage community engagement and problem-solving skills.

In addition, the Department for Education has committed financing of up to GBP 2,000 to at least 100 primary schools in disadvantaged areas in order to encourage more children, particularly girls, to play chess. UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer emphasized the government's commitment to providing opportunities for young people to discover and develop their talents.