Assam’s cricket icon and national pride, Uma Chetry, returned home to Guwahati after her remarkable contribution to India’s victory in the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Chetry, the first Assamese woman to be part of a World Cup-winning Indian team, brought pride not only to Assam but also to the entire Northeast with her outstanding performance on the global stage.
However, her return was met with disappointment from political leaders and the public alike, as the state government and the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) did not organize a proper official reception. Congress MP and Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi expressed deep regret over the situation. In a statement, Gogoi said the young cricketer deserved a grand welcome at the airport, not just a small gathering of media personnel, airport officials, and members of Gorkha associations.
Gogoi praised Uma Chetry for her achievement, noting that her dedication and performance had been recognized and appreciated even by established players like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. “Her success has put Assam and the Northeast on the global sports map. Assam is proud of you,” he said. 
He also criticised the Assam government for missing the opportunity to honor a national sports hero. “It was disheartening that the state did not welcome Uma properly. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, instead of celebrating women in sports, was making childish remarks in Jharkhand. The government should learn from this and ensure that every young Assamese girl achieving national or international success is honored in the future,” Gogoi added.
The Congress leader urged Uma to continue her hard work and encouraged the state authorities to take immediate steps to recognize her achievement. “We owe an apology to Uma on behalf of all Assamese people. This should be a lesson for the government to motivate and encourage young talent in the state,” he said.
Uma Chetry, originally from Bokakhat, has become an inspiration for young girls across Assam and the Northeast. Her journey from local cricket grounds to winning the world’s biggest tournament in women’s cricket reflects her hard work, discipline, and dedication.
