In a remarkable display of talent and determination, two ten-year-old girls have captured the spotlight in the world of chess. Their recent victories against seasoned grandmasters not only showcase their skills but also inspire a new generation of young players. Join us as we celebrate their impressive achievements!

It was a balmy day in August 2025, and the atmosphere in Liverpool was electric. The British Chess Championships were underway, and the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. Among the participants, a remarkable young girl named Bodhana Sivanandan, just ten years old, stepped onto the board. With her bright eyes focused and determined, she faced off against Pete Wells, a respected grandmaster in his sixties.

Bodhana had not been playing chess for long; she picked it up during the COVID pandemic. Yet, her dedication quickly paid off, as she had already clinched three world championships in her age group. On this day, she played with an intensity and poise that belied her age, ultimately securing a stunning victory. With this win, she made history as the youngest female ever to defeat a grandmaster. “She’s bound to be one of the best British players ever,” remarked Malcolm Pein, manager of the England chess team, beaming with pride.

But the excitement didn’t end there. Meanwhile, in Akron, Ohio, another young prodigy was making headlines. Keya Jha, also 10 years old, took her seat at the Joe Yun Memorial chess tournament. With nerves of steel and a mind trained in strategy, she challenged American grandmaster Bryan Smith. Just like Bodhana, Keya began her chess journey during the pandemic, finding joy in a game that relied on mental acuity and deep concentration.

Keya’s victory came at the age of 10 years, 9 months, and 2 days, marking her as the youngest American female to defeat a grandmaster. The thrill of this accomplishment was palpable as she described it as “a dream come true.” Between her chess accolades and her black belt in taekwondo, Keya is not only a chess champion but a multi-sport talent, with her sights set firmly on future challenges, including the upcoming Ohio Chess Congress.

Bodhana Sivanandan became the youngest girl to defeat a GM at just 10 years old (5 months and 3 days) in the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships! 👏 The previous record was held by IM Carissa Yip. pic.twitter.com/xB2w2KtX2x

— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) August 10, 2025

As this extraordinary day unfolded, both Bodhana and Keya demonstrated that with passion and hard work, dreams can indeed come true. The celebration of their victories marks not just individual achievements but a vibrant reminder of what young minds can accomplish when they dare to reach for the stars. In a world where every move matters, these two queens of the chessboard have rewritten the rules of the game.

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