A blind cricketer from Assam has earned the state's highest civilian honour — and a personal salute from the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister's Office of Assam announced on Sunday, November 1, 2026 that Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has congratulated Smti. Simu Das on being conferred the prestigious Asom Gaurav Award 2025 for her extraordinary contribution to cricket and to India's para-sports story.

From Assam to the inaugural Blind Women's T20 World Cup

Simu Das represents the Indian Women's Blind Cricket Team at the international level. She played a pivotal role in India's historic triumph at the inaugural Blind Women's T20 World Cup — a landmark victory that placed India at the very top of a format being played competitively on the world stage for the first time. That a player from Assam stood at the centre of that achievement gave the state an added stake in the glory.

The CMO's post described her as 'an inspiring international cricketer' whose 'remarkable achievement is a matter of pride for Assam and an inspiration to aspiring sportspersons.' It is the kind of recognition that travels — from a village ground to a national team jersey to a state honour bestowed by the government itself.

What the Asom Gaurav Award means

The Asom Gaurav Award is the Government of Assam's annual state honour, instituted to recognise distinguished contributions by residents across fields including sports, arts, and public service. Being named a recipient places Das in the company of the state's most celebrated achievers. For a para-athlete, the recognition carries an additional signal: that Assam is watching, and rewarding, excellence beyond the mainstream circuit.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has helmed the state since 2021, has made a consistent practice of publicly acknowledging sporting milestones — particularly those that put Assam on a national or international map. This congratulatory post follows that established pattern, but the scale of the achievement — a world cup win, and a first-ever edition at that — gives it uncommon weight.

Para-sports recognition on the rise

Das's felicitation sits within a gradual but unmistakable shift in how Indian state governments treat para-athletes. Where blind cricket and other disability sports once occupied the margins of official attention, they are now increasingly folded into mainstream recognition frameworks. Assam's move to honour Simu Das with its premier civilian award sends a clear signal to the next generation of athletes living with disabilities: the podium — and the prize — are within reach.

For every young player in the Northeast who picks up a cricket bat without the gift of full sight, Simu Das is now proof of what is possible. That is the kind of inspiration no policy document manufactures on its own.