Assam Celebrates Cricket Icon Uma Chetry’s Historic Achievement as World Cup Champion

Nanda Kirati Dewan, KalimNews, Guwahati/ Bokahat, Novemver 9, 2025 : In a day filled with immense pride, joy, and celebration, Assam honored Uma Chetry, the first cricketer from Assam and the entire Northeast to be part of India’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup-winning team, in a grand ceremony at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, whose historic contribution to Indian cricket has captured the heart of the nation, received a cash award of Rs 51 lakh for her exceptional achievement. This tribute was accompanied by an overwhelming reception from her fans, fellow cricketers, and the local community, who gathered to honor a woman who has become a beacon of hope and pride for Assam.

At the heart of the celebration was the sentiment expressed by Gorkha Development Council (GDC) Chairman Prem Tamang, who reflected the collective pride of the Gorkha community. "We want more Uma Chetrys in Assam and in our Gorkha community. Uma not only made us proud but also made the entire nation proud," said Tamang, struggling to find words to express his joy. Around 500 Gorkha women, dressed in traditional attire, participated in the celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere. "It’s something that has truly filled my heart," he added.

The ceremony, organized by the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) with support from BJP Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Guwahati Metropolitan District BJP, and Bokakhat District Sports Association, began at the ACA office, where ACA President Taranga Gogoi and Secretary Devajit Saikia, along with Uma’s family, coaches, and local sports representatives, were present. The occasion marked a historic moment, with Uma Chetry becoming the first player from the Northeast to represent India in a Women’s ODI World Cup-winning squad.

Tamang, in his address, underscored Uma’s potential, saying, “Her participation has inspired many talented individuals, and in the coming days, Ms. Chetry has the potential to become the captain at the national level in India. She has the talent, and we hope that the Assam Gorkha community will continue to support her so that she can reach even greater heights, perhaps leading India’s women’s cricket team in the future.”

Following the formal ceremony, Uma Chetry was celebrated at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, also known as Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, where an enthusiastic public crowd of approximately 5,000–10,000 people gathered. A vibrant victory rally, led by youth groups in motorcycles, jeeps, and e-rickshaws, transported Uma from the South Point School gate to the stadium. The streets were filled with waving Indian flags and chants of “Assam Pride,” while cultural performances showcased Assamese traditions.

In a moment of deep emotional significance, Uma Chetry, wearing her Indian cricket jersey, was garlanded and received a guard of honor. Her mother, Dipa Chetry, was also present, joining in the celebrations, having previously met India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur during the World Cup. The ACA’s gesture of awarding Uma a Rs 51 lakh cash prize reflected the pride Assam holds for her remarkable contribution to India’s historic victory.

ACA President Taranga Gogoi praised Uma as “Assam’s promising cricketer,” reiterating the association’s commitment to nurturing talent from the Northeast. ACA Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that Uma’s success should remain above politics, calling it “a proud moment for Assam.”

Simultaneously, in Bokakhat, Uma’s hometown, a civic reception was held by the Golaghat District Administration and the Bokakhat Co-District Sports Association to honor her achievements. 

The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) also felicitated Uma, representing the 10.5 million Gorkhas of India. Nanda Kirati Dewan, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, hailed Uma Chetry’s milestone as a historic achievement for Assam and the Gorkha community. Dewan requested that the Assam Cricket Association name the bowling and wicketkeeping end at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in her honor, calling it the “Uma Chetry International Stand.” He added that such recognition would “inspire the next generation of cricketers and sportspersons” and help enshrine her name in the history of Assam cricket.

Dewan further urged the Government of Assam to appoint Uma Chetry to a prominent role, suggesting that she be made Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) or Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), in line with the State Sports Policy. He emphasized that Uma’s extraordinary feat as the first woman cricketer from Assam and the Northeast to be part of the ICC Women’s World Cup champion team should be rewarded at the state level.

The reception was attended by key officials, including Cabinet Minister and Bokakhat MLA Atul Bora, Kaziranga Lok Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, District Commissioner Pulak Mahanta, and Senior Superintendent of Police Rajen Singh (IPS), alongside over 220 leaders from various socio-political, educational, and sports organizations.

Earlier in the day, Uma was given a hero’s welcome as she was escorted from her Kandulimari residence to the Bokakhat Stadium in a decorated open jeep, followed by hundreds of motorcycles. The 22-kilometer route was lined with college and school students, as well as young athletes from various sports academies, who showered her with flowers. This emotional and proud moment for Assam culminated with a heartfelt felicitation ceremony at the stadium, where Uma was lauded for her incredible achievements and the pride she brought to her community and state.

Uma Chetry’s journey from Bokakhat to the world stage serves as a shining example of Assam’s sporting potential and the power of determination. It is a moment that will inspire generations to come and will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in the history of Assam’s cricketing legacy.