Podhana Sivanandan, a Tamil-origin student representing England, has been recognised as a Grandmaster by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The milestone followed her impressive performance at the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Uzbekistan.
Speaking about the achievement, Podhana said she was happy and wanted to keep progressing and make more history. She was born and brought up in London and currently lives in Harrow.
Her parents are originally from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) in India and later migrated to the UK. Podhana began learning chess at the age of five during the Covid-19 pandemic, preparing online and taking part in competitions.
In August 2025, she drew attention at the British Chess Championship by defeating 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells. She was credited as the youngest female player to beat a Grandmaster—at 10 years, five months and three days—surpassing a record previously held by American player Carissa Yip.
