Indian-Origin Teenagers Bodhana Sivanandan and Shreyas Royal Crowned 2026 British Chess Champions
Bodhana Sivanandan and Shreyas Royal
Coventry, UK – Two prodigious talents of Indian origin, Bodhana Sivanandan and Shreyas Royal, have etched their names in British chess history, claiming the women’s and open titles respectively at the prestigious 2026 British Chess Championships held in Coventry.
The championships, which attracted over 1,750 entries and boasted a record £34,000 prize fund for the open event, served as a grand stage for these young phenoms to showcase their exceptional skill and determination.
Bodhana Sivanandan: Youngest-Ever Women’s Champion at Just 11
In a truly remarkable feat, Bodhana Sivanandan, at just 11 years old, became the youngest-ever British women’s champion. Her journey to the title culminated in a gripping rapid-chess playoff against the formidable 14-year-old Ireland-based talent, Trisha Kanyamarala. Bodhana’s victory sent ripples of excitement through the chess community.
“Unreal! Bodhana has won. She is unbelievable, a generational talent,” praised Grandmaster Danny Gormally during his commentary for the English Chess Federation, perfectly encapsulating the awe inspired by her performance.
Bodhana’s introduction to the strategic game began during the unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown. “I was interested in the pieces, so I started playing,” she reflected on receiving a chess board from a family friend returning to India. Since those humble beginnings, the north-west London schoolgirl has rapidly accumulated significant accolades, including the UK Open Women’s Blitz title and a share of the British Women’s Rapid crown, foreshadowing her ascent to the national championship.
Shreyas Royal Claims Open British Championship Title
The Open British Championship saw another Indian-origin star, seventeen-year-old Shreyas Royal, clinch his first British title. Shreyas, who moved to the UK from Bangalore with his family at the age of three, demonstrated unparalleled consistency and strategic depth, finishing a crucial half-point ahead of England’s seasoned grandmasters after nine intensely fought rounds. This triumph marks another significant milestone in his burgeoning career as a top-tier chess player.
Royal’s pedigree is already well-established, having previously become England’s youngest grandmaster at the age of 15. His recent victory resonated beyond the chess world, attracting commendation from former Home Secretary Sajid Javid.
“In 2018, as Home Secretary, I took a decision to allow Shreyas and his family to remain in the UK. Wonderful to see his extraordinary talent flourish. Britain is proud of you, Shreyas,” Javid stated, highlighting a pivotal moment that enabled Royal’s continued development in Britain.
The double victory for Bodhana Sivanandan and Shreyas Royal at the 2026 British Chess Championships not only signifies their individual brilliance but also underscores the growing strength and diversity within British chess. Their inspiring achievements promise a bright future for the sport, captivating audiences and encouraging a new generation of chess enthusiasts across the nation.
