From Surviving A Landmine Blast To Paralympics Bronze: Sema Hokato's Journey Is An Inspiration

Paris Paralympics 2024: Hokato Hotozhe Sema from India won the bronze medal in the men’s shotput F57 event in the Paralympics. He finished with a best attempt of 14.65 on Friday 6th September and it was his personal best. The Iranian Yasin Khosravi claimed Gold with a throw of 15.96 m at the French capital

As Hokato became the first athlete from Nagaland to win a medal in the Paralympics, Thiago Paulino dos Santos won silver with a throw distance of  15.6m.

The Brazilian couldn't make the personal best as per his expectations to claim gold, Indian Soman Rana from was also part of the event but failed to finish on the podium. Rana finished fifth with his best attempt of 14.07m.

Rana made attempts of 13.32, 14.07, 13.83, 13.79, 13.80 and 13.86.

As India's medal tally extended to 15, they are currently 17th in the overall medal tally with 27 medals including 6 gold, 9 silver, and 12 bronze.

Hokato Sema’s Challenging Journey 

He started his athletic journey after meeting a brutal accident in 2002 when he lost his leg during an operation at the line of control because of a landmine blast when he was employed in the Indian Army as a havaldar in the 9 Asam Regiment. 

Despite having such a brutal incident in his life he never lost his perseverance. He decided to continue his athletic journey as a Para Athlete and with his never-say-die attitude claimed bronze in the Asian Para Games in China finally, he took his game a notch up and won bronze in Paris.

Back in 2022, Hokato won a silver medal in Morocco Grand Prix and finished fourth in the World Championship early this year.

Hokato’s journey is an inspiration not only for Para Athletes or Olympic aspirants Athletes, rather it tells how anyone who is not supposed to compromise on his / her dream and is destined for greatness. His Commitment towards his aims and accomplishments never let him to look back ever since he started his journey after that brutal accident where he lost his leg and began his journey as Paralympic Athlete.  By claiming bronze in the Asian Para Games and then winning another Bronze in Paralympics 2024, Hokato Hotozhe Sema's Journey itself an inspiration for the aspiring Paralympian Athletes .,