Two young Indian-origin chess players have made history at the British Chess Championship, marking a memorable moment for the future of chess in the country.
17 years old, Shreyas Royal became the British Chess Champion while 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest-ever winner of the British Women’s Chess Championship. The tournament was held at the University of Warwick in Coventry.
For Shreyas, the victory is another achievement added to the his remarkable journey. Born in Bengaluru, his family faced the possibility of leaving the UK 8 years ago after his father’s work visa was due to expire. However, the Home Office later allowed the family to remain in the country after considering Shreyas exceptional chess talent.
In 2024, he became the youngest-ever grandmaster in the UK. Now, at 17, he added the British Championship title to his achievements.
Shreyas was leading the tournament with six points after seven rounds. He later drew against nine-time British champion Michael Adams before defeating Harry Grieve in the final round to secure the title. He finished ahead of experienced players including Adams and Luke McShane.
Bodhana Creates History at Just 11
Bodhana’s achievement was equally impressive. The 11-year-old defeated fellow Indian-origin player and Ireland’s first women grandmaster, Trisha Kanyamarala, in a playoff to win the title. Her win broke the record that stood for more than 80 years. Before this, Elain Pritchard became the youngest British women’s champion in 1939 at the age of 13.
The classical title also completed a triple crown for Bodhana, who is already the British Blitz and Rapid champion. Bodhana first discovered chess during Covid-19 pandemic after finding a chess set in her belongings given by her family by a friend who was returning to India.
Since then, she has broken a few records. She became the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster, the youngest-ever Woman International Master and the youngest player to earn a Woman Grandmaster norm. She was also the youngest person selected to represent England at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
During the British Championship, Bodhana won against Ameet Ghasi, with her only loss coming against Shreyas in the sixth round.
With Shreyas and Bodhana making history at the same championship, the two young Indian-origin talents have strengthened their places among the brightest names shaping the future of British chess.
Sources: Hindustan Times
