Hokato Hotozhe Sema has become the first athlete from Nagaland to win a Paralympic medal for India, securing a bronze in the men’s shot put F57 event at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympics. Sema achieved a personal best throw of 14.65 meters, surpassing the previous record of 13.49 meters set by Azerbaijan’s Olokhan Musayev.
Iran’s Yasin Khosravi clinched the gold with a throw of 15.96 meters, while Brazil’s Thiago Paulino dos Santos took the silver with a throw of 15.06 meters. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Sema on social media, saying, “His remarkable journey and dedication have led to this outstanding achievement. He is a true inspiration and a role model.”
Born on December 24, 1983, Sema grew up in a farmer’s family in Nagaland. His dreams of joining the elite Special Forces were cut short after a mine blast in 2002 led to the loss of his left leg, but his perseverance and determination have made him a Paralympic hero.
