Nagaland’s Hokato Hotozhe Sema scripts history, wins Bronze at Paris Paralympics

Digital Desk: Hokato Hotozhe Sema has etched his name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first athlete from Nagaland to win a Paralympic medal. Competing in the men's shot put F57 event at the Paralympics 2024, Hokato secured a bronze medal with a best throw of 14.65 meters. His performance not only earned him a podium finish but also set a new Paralympic record, surpassing the previous mark of 13.49 meters held by Olokhan Musayev of Azerbaijan.

In a fiercely competitive field, Iran’s Yasin Khosravi took home the gold with a throw of 15.96 meters, while Brazil's Thiago Paulino dos Santos claimed the silver with a throw of 15.06 meters. Hokato's achievement stands out as a remarkable milestone for Indian para-athletics and his home state of Nagaland.

Born on December 24, 1983, Hokato's journey to the Paralympics is a testament to resilience and determination. Growing up in a modest farmer’s family as the second of four children, Hokato nurtured a deep passion for serving his country. He aspired to join the elite Special Forces and dedicated himself to achieving peak physical fitness and mental toughness. However, his aspirations were shattered on October 14, 2002, when a mine blast during a Counter Infiltration Operation resulted in the loss of his left leg below the knee, ending his Special Forces dream.

Despite this profound setback, Hokato's indomitable spirit led him to para-athletics. He redirected his focus and began training in the men’s shot put F57 category, which includes athletes with limb deficiencies or impaired muscle power. Training at the Army Paralympic Node in Pune, Hokato honed his skills and emerged as one of India’s leading para-athletes.

His remarkable career includes a bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2022, a silver medal at the Morocco Grand Prix in 2022, and a fourth-place finish at the World Championship in 2024. Hokato Hotozhe Sema’s journey from Nagaland to the Paralympic podium exemplifies how perseverance and determination can transform adversity into remarkable achievements.