GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR), the global authority on record-breaking achievements, has officially recognised British chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan, 11, as the youngest chess player to achieve the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title, following her history-making performance at the 46th Chess Olympiad, which took place in Samarkand from 15 to 27 September 2026.
Bodhana secured the final requirement for the WGM title during the Olympiad, adding another extraordinary milestone to a record-breaking chess career that has already seen her achieve two Guinness World Records titles aged just 10.
The new title gives Bodhana three Guinness World Records titles, with her two earlier record-breaking achievements already featured in the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2027 book, available now.
Those earlier titles are youngest chess Woman International Master and youngest player to defeat a grandmaster in a chess tournament (female), both achieved aged just 10.
Bodhana has now also received her first official Guinness World Records certificates recognising those two earlier achievements, with new photography released today.
Bodhana’s latest achievement took place after GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2027 had gone to print, meaning her new title does not appear in this year’s book. Her two earlier record-breaking achievements are, however, featured in the new edition.
Speaking about seeing herself 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.”
FROM THE “HORSEY” PIECE TO CHESS HISTORY
Bodhana’s journey into chess began not with dreams of records or championships, but with a fascination for one particular piece on the board: the knight.
She first became interested in the “horsey” piece as a young child and wanted to treat it like any other toy. Her dad explained that if she took only the knight from the chess set, nobody else would be able to play the game. Bodhana began learning chess at five years and eight months old and started competing at six.
Asked what she would say to another young person who wants to become really good at something they love, she said:
“Enjoy what you’re doing and keep playing the game you love.”
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief, 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.”
