Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday named Rishabh Pant as the brand ambassador of the state, saying that the cricketer would inspire youngsters in the field of sports to carve an identity of their own. Pant was named as the state's brand ambassador at an event in Uttarakhand Sadan in Delhi, PTI reported.
The wicketkeeper-batter was born in Roorkee in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district.
Dhami said Pant's achievements in the world of cricket due to his strong willpower despite coming from a very ordinary background would be a source of inspiration for everyone.
"He has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket. He has done both his state and the country proud. Honouring him as the brand ambassador will inspire young people in the field of sports to carve an identity of their own," PTI quoted Dhami as syaing.
CM Dhami said that honouring Pant as Uttarakhand brand ambassador would inspire youth in the field of sports in the state.
"A better environment is being created by the state government for the youth of the state to make their mark at the national and international level," the CM said.
According to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is becoming a leader in every field, Dhami said.
"Players like Rishabh Pant will inspire everyone by doing the work of inspiring everyone. A good environment will be created for sports in the state," the Uttarakhand CM further said.
The southpaw thanked the chief minister for conferring him with the honour and giving him an opportunity to serve the state.
"Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given me an opportunity to do something for the state. The state government is working towards providing a better sports environment to the youth," ANI quoted Pant as saying.
Pant has emerged as one of India's biggest match-winners and mainstays in the cricket team. His exploits in Test cricket has grabbed attention and made the world take notice.
In 31 Tests, he has scored 2,123 runs at an average of 43.32. His individual best score is 159* in this format. Pant has scored five centuries and ten fifties in the format.
(With inputs from agencies)