Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday extended his heartfelt congratulations to Riyan Parag, who has made history by becoming the first cricketer from the northeast to be selected for the Indian team in the forthcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe.
In what he described as a watershed moment for sports in Assam, Sarma expressed his joy and pride on social media.
"This is the best news of the day! Our very own Assam boy becomes the first cricketer from the North East to join the 'Men in Blue' club," he posted on X.
"Dear Riyan, many congratulations for becoming a part of Team India's T20 International series against Zimbabwe," he added.
Sarma pressed on the state government's commitment to nurturing sports talent, stating that efforts will be intensified to ensure more youngsters from Assam can pursue sports as a full-time profession.
The five-match T20 series in Zimbabwe is set to commence on July 6.
Riyan Parag, 22, is an all-rounder who has been leading the Assam cricket team and also representing the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League since 2018.
He was also a member of the victorious Indian squad at the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Parag hails from a sporting family, being the son of former Assam Ranji player Parag Das and renowned swimmer Mithu Barua.
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