Uma Chetry: From Bokakhat’s Fields To India’s Cricketing Dreams

In the heartland of Assam lies Bokhahat, a village steeped in simplicity and rustic charm. Here, amidst the sprawling fields and the quiet hum of rural life, dreams were sown as naturally as the crops in the fields. One such dream belonged to Uma Chetry, a young girl with aspirations as expansive as the skies above her.

Today, she stands as a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and unwavering dedication, having played three T20Is for India and celebrated her journey with a birthday that echoes her remarkable story.

The Genesis of a Dream

Uma Chetry’s journey began in 2011 when the cricket fever first gripped her heart. Coming from a humble background, her father a farmer and her mother a homemaker, it was her brother who played a pivotal role in her early years. They spent countless hours playing together, fostering a bond that would later become the cornerstone of her cricketing ambitions. “It was in 2011 that cricket first came to our area, and I just went directly from school. That was when I caught the cricket fever,” Uma Chetry recalls with a twinkle in her eye.

The turning point came when Uma sought her brother’s advice about pursuing cricket. His response was a blend of scepticism and motivation, “Yesterday you wanted to go to the hostel, and today it’s cricket, so you decide what you want.” Determined and clear-headed, Uma Chetry declared, “Let’s go to cricket.”

The Moment of Inspiration

Uma’s passion for cricket was ignited further by an incident that gave her goosebumps. She was practising on the ground when she heard that Harmanpreet Kaur had scored an astounding 171 runs. “I had never heard or seen of such a score and whatever little I had seen in domestic as well I had not heard 171 was scored in women’s cricket.”

She further added, “I had never heard or seen of such a score in women’s cricket. That moment, I made up my mind that one day even I will score a total like that and play with Harmanpreet Di,” she says, her voice filled with conviction.

This moment of inspiration fueled her resolve, pushing her to dream bigger and work harder. It wasn’t just about playing cricket; it was about making her mark in the sport, and she set her sights on playing for India.

𝗨𝗺𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗿𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

The hardships, the perseverance and belief to play for #TeamIndia 🇮🇳

On the wicket-keeper batter's birthday, watch her inspiring journey from Bokakhat 👌 – By @mihirlee_58

Full Feature 🎥🔽 #WomensAsiaCup2024
https://t.co/YgoKzeRMbu pic.twitter.com/ZLfja0NwSz

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) July 27, 2024

The Road Less Travelled

Pursuing a career in cricket wasn’t an easy decision, especially when faced with societal expectations and limited resources. Uma’s brother posed a crucial question, “Will you play for India, or will you do a job?” Her response was unequivocal, “I won’t think of a job; I will focus on cricket and play for the country.”

Encouraged by her brother, Uma sought training opportunities in Guwahati, a place with better facilities. However, she remained resolute in her decision to train and play from Bokakhat. “No, I will play from Bokakhat, and I will play for India one day, for sure,” Uma Chetry affirmed.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Triumphs

Uma’s journey was fraught with challenges, from inadequate training facilities to financial constraints. Yet, her determination never wavered. With the support of her family and her unyielding spirit, she continued to hone her skills, inching closer to her dream.

Her hard work paid off when she was selected to represent India. The girl from Bokakhat, who once practised on uneven grounds and dreamt of scoring big like Harmanpreet Kaur, was now wearing the Indian jersey. Each match she played was not just a testament to her skills but a celebration of her journey and the dreams she dared to chase.

Celebrating Milestones

Uma Chetry who celebrated her 22nd birthday today, will cherish these moments that were more than just personal milestones. It was a celebration of her journey, her struggles, and her triumphs. For Uma, each birthday is a reminder of how far she has come from the fields of Bokakhat to the international cricketing arena.

Uma Chetry’s story is far from over. As she continues to represent India, she remains an inspiration to countless young girls from rural India who dare to dream big. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance, the power of dreams, and the impact of unwavering support from loved ones.

In Uma’s words, “Once we think of something, and once we commit to doing something, no matter how much hard work we need to put behind it, we shouldn’t hesitate or not invest our time and energies. My father is a farmer and my mother is a homemaker so my brother played a big role in my childhood as I played with him.” Her story is a shining example of this philosophy, reminding us all that dreams, when pursued with passion and determination, can indeed become reality.

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