Uma Chetry, a 20-year-old from the Golaghat district in Assam, has made history by becoming the first cricketer from the state to be selected for the Indian women's cricket team.

She will be part of the team that will tour Bangladesh later this month.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Uma on this achievement.

"Assam's cricketing journey enters a glorious new phase as we proudly witness our first-ever representation in the Indian Women's National Cricket Team. Congratulations to Uma Chetry for her remarkable accomplishment, becoming a trailblazer from our state in Blue jersey! We wholeheartedly support Uma and the team in their upcoming tour to Bangladesh, and we wish them resounding success on the field," he tweeted.

Uma's family expressed their happiness and informed the media that they received the news on Sunday night and they spoke to Uma on Monday morning.

Uma is the only girl among her five siblings and the youngest. Her passion for cricket began when she first picked up a plastic bat.

"She displayed an inclination for the game from a very young age when she started playing more seriously at Bokakhat stadium while she was studying in Class V or VI," the family informed.

Uma's mother, who had limited formal education but a strong desire to see her daughter achieve her dreams, ensured that Uma faced no hindrances due to her gender.

"As a woman, I have faced many obstacles. However, I didn't want my daughter to give up on her dreams simply because she is a girl," she said.

Uma's humble background, belonging to a family of farmers and daily wage earners, did not deter her from pursuing her passion.

Ajoy Sharma, treasurer of Golaghat District Sports Association (GDSA), said that in around 2011-12, the association noticed a girl from Bokakhat Hindi High School played cricket with the boys after school hours.

"As she continued to come regularly, our coaches approached her, and once they recognised her talent, her professional training began," Sharma said.

Uma's initial coaches were Raja Rahman and Mehboob Alam, and she still trains under Alam.

Uma is currently at the ACA in Guwahati and will join the Indian team in Mumbai later this week before departing for Mirpur, Bangladesh.

All the matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from July 9, 2023.

The squad includes two wicketkeepers, Yastika Bhatia and Uma Chetry.

The Indian team will play three T20Is and three ODIs against Bangladesh.