In a significant move to foster chess skills, the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced a generous allocation of £1 million over two years. This investment aims to nurture chess among young people, with a focus on those in less privileged communities, while also enhancing support for the nation’s elite chess players to excel internationally.

Bodhana’s performance in Zagreb is a testament to the burgeoning talent in the UK. Despite being seeded 336th in the rapid tournament, she surpassed expectations, finishing 244th among 437 contenders, amassing 5 points over 11 rounds.

Her blitz tournament results were even more striking. Starting as the 328th seed, Bodhana soared to the 73rd position out of 555 players, becoming the highest-scoring female participant — a remarkable feat for an eight-year-old.

During the event, she notably defeated Lorin D’Costa, coach of the English women’s team, and held Romanian grandmaster Vladislav Nevednichy to a draw.

Moreover, Bodhana’s score eclipsed that of the then reigning junior world champion Marc’andria Maurizzi from France, who placed 85th.

Recognized as one of England’s brightest young stars, Bodhana has already caught the attention of the media. She, along with her family and fellow prodigy, 15-year-old Shreyas Royal, received an invitation from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to 10 Downing Street.

Bodhana’s journey with chess began serendipitously three years prior when she found a chess set in a friend’s bag. This discovery coincided with the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw chess become a comforting pastime during the ensuing lockdowns.

By March 2022, Bodhana’s prowess had grown to the point where she clinched the silver medal in the U8 girls’ category at the European Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. Following this, she dominated the school championships in Rhodes in May 2022, earning three gold medals. In August of the same year, she made history as the youngest competitor at the British National Championships in Torquay.