Bodhana Sivanandan, from Harrow, earned the title and is now encouraging more girls in her community to take up the game.
The St John Fisher Catholic Primary School pupil said: “Chess has given me so many exciting opportunities.
“I’ve played games against grandmasters and met friends from all over the world.
“I want girls to know that chess isn’t just for boys.
“Girls can be just as good as boys, if not better.
“I hope lots of Harrow schoolgirls will give it a try, and you never know where it could take you.”
Bodhana first discovered chess during the Covid-19 pandemic and quickly rose through the ranks, competing in tournaments around the world.
She recently became the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster at the 2025 British Chess Championship.
Her father, Siva, said: “When Bodhana first picked up a chess set during the pandemic, I never imagined it would lead to this.
“Chess has helped her grow in confidence, patience, and resilience.
“I’d encourage any parent to give their daughters the chance to try it.
“They might surprise themselves.”
As an ambassador for She Plays To Win (SPTW), a charity promoting chess among schoolgirls and young women, Bodhana hopes to inspire others in her area to follow in her footsteps.
SPTW is offering chess tuition packages to primary and secondary schools in Harrow and North West London for just £42 per child for a year.
This includes a year’s membership of online chess training site Chesskid, which is £38 if purchased separately. It also includes exclusive entrance to online and in-person tournaments.
Bodhana has just joined the SPTW team, which plays in the National League of the Four Nations Chess League, and often plays simultaneous games against other children at Harrow Chess Club.
Only 11 per cent of FIDE-rated chess players worldwide are female, highlighting a significant gender gap in the sport.
Lorin D’Costa, founder of She Plays To Win, said: “Bodhana’s achievements show what’s possible when girls are given the encouragement and opportunities they deserve.
“With only 11 per cent of rated players worldwide being female, there’s still a huge gap to close.
“We want to see many more girls in Harrow and across the UK playing chess, competing, and enjoying the game.
“If you want to encourage bright girls at your school, please get in touch to see how we can help teach them a game that boosts their critical thinking and self-esteem.”
SPTW’s offer is open to headteachers across the borough, giving them the chance to introduce more girls to chess in a supportive and structured environment.
Research suggests that playing chess can improve academic performance and critical thinking.
With her new title and growing influence, Bodhana hopes to inspire a new generation of players who are ready to make their mark on the chess world.
