From the battle field of Jammu & Kashmir to the podium of Paris Para Olympics Hokato Hotozhe Sema’s is journey is really incredible and inspirational to all.
Sema’s journey to becoming a para athlete began at the Army Paralympic Node, BEG Centre in Pune.A senior army official at the Pune-based Artificial Limb Centre encouraged Sema to take up shot put after seeing his fitness. And it was only in 2016, at the ripe old age of 32, that his serious tryst with sport began. And in eight short years, he was on the podium in Paris.
“This medal means a lot to me,” Sema said after winning the Paralympics medal in Paris.
“I am representing India and the Indian Army.
I am very happy today because I am only the second medallist from Indian Army and this is Indian Army’s first medal in athletics. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Indian Army.”
“This medal is also very important for my training Node. I am sure that this medal will inspire many other soldiers like me. My next aim is to do better in the 2028 Los Angeles Games,” he added.
Felicitated by Spear Corps, Indian Army at Rangapahar Military Station in the remote state of Nagaland:
Naib Subedar Sema, a para-athlete serving in the Indian Army, was felicitated by Lieutenant General Pendharkar, GOC, Spear Corps, at Rangapahar Military Station for his remarkable achievement of winning the bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
Sema, who hails from Nagaland, lost his leg in a landmine blast during a military operation in 2002.
Hokato Hotozhe Sema’s aspirations were abruptly crushed in October 2002, amidst the unpredictable landscape of Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Chowkibal, when a sudden blast during a counter-terrorism mission took his left leg below the knee, shattering his dreams of joining the Special Forces.
The explosion plunged Sema into a seemingly hopeless situation, with those around him believing his world had collapsed.
Despite facing immense challenges, he persevered and took up shot put at the age of 32, eventually making his debut at the Paralympics this year.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Sema secured the bronze medal with a career-best throw of 14.65 meters. His achievement contributed to India’s impressive medal tally of 29, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals.
Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, applauded the achievements of Naib Subedar Hokato Sema and mentioned that the whole country draws inspiration from him.
During the felicitation ceremony, children from the Army Public School and Kendriya Vidyalaya had the opportunity to interact with Hokato Sema. He shared his inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams.
Sema’s bronze medal win is a testament to his resilience and a source of inspiration for all. His story serves as a reminder that with unwavering determination and a strong will, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
(With inputs from Army authorities)
(Pratyusha Mukherjee is an Independent Senior Broadcast Journalist of British Media associated with us as Editorial head of Defence and Sports.In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International & Indian Media awards for Journalism.)