Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a 40-year-old para-athlete from Nagaland, made history by winning the bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 event at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. with the best throw of 14.65 m. With his achievement. With this achievement, Sema became the first para-athlete from Northeast India to win a medal at the Paralympics.
Sema, who is employed as a havildar in the Indian Army with the 9 Assam Regiment, lost his left leg below the knee in 2002 during a Counter Infiltration Operation due to a landmine blast.
Sema’s bronze medal-winning performance came after he had won a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, and a silver medal at the 2022 Morocco Grand Prix.
With Sema’s bronze medal, India’s total medal tally at the 2024 Paralympics reached 27. His historic achievement has brought immense pride and joy to the people of Nagaland and the entire nation.
Soman Rana finished 5th with a best throw of 14.07 m.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulates Hokato Hotozhe Sema for his achievement. In a post on X CM Rio wrote, ” Congratulations to Mr. Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning Bronze in Shot Put F57, marking the 27th medal for #TeamIndia at the ongoing @Paris2024 Paralympics Games. His remarkable journey & dedication has led to this outstanding achievement. He is a true inspiration & a role model.”
