Bodhana Sivanandan has made history once again. At the European Club Cup 2026 in Montenegro, the 11-year-old secured her third and final IM (International Master) norm and became the youngest girl ever to qualify for the IM title. At 11 years, 7 months and 16 days, she broke a record held by GM Judit Polgar since 1988.
5.5/7 on Board One
Playing on board one for She Plays To Win Lionesses A, Bodhana scored 5.5/7 with a 2465 rating performance. After losing in the first round to GM Aleksandra Goryachkina, she bounced back with wins, including one over IM Olga Badelka, put GM Nino Batsiashvili under pressure for a whole game in a draw, and clinched the norm with a final-round win with Black against WIM Viktoria Johansson.
Three IM Norms in Three Months
All three norms came within about three months: the first at the Dole Open in France in July, where she also defeated 2628-rated GM Marc'Andria Maurizzi; the second at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand in September, playing every round on England's top board; and the third at the European Club Cup. Along the way she completed the requirements for the WGM title, became the youngest British Women's Champion and crossed 2400 in the live ratings. According to Chess.com, she is the seventh-youngest player in history to qualify for the IM title.
Next Target: the GM Title
Speaking to Chess.com after the game, Bodhana said she now hopes to earn the GM title "as soon as possible." Her coach GM Mert Erdogdu, who works with her four times a week alongside GM John Emms, said her progress came as no surprise given her love for the game and her hard work, and called the title a stepping stone to an even greater career.
Bodhana is one of the young talents supported by Evren Ucok's prodigy project. Congratulations, IM Bodhana!
Reference: Bodhana, 11, Breaks Judit Polgar's Record To Become Youngest Female IM In History – Chess.com (Tarjei J. Svensen, October 2026)
