Who is Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a landmine blast survivor armyman who won bronze in shot put at Paris Paralympics?
Born in Dimapur, Nagaland, Hokato Hotozhe Sema wanted to join the elite Special Forces (SF) and started his career with the Indian Army's 9 Assam Regiment. However, he lost his left leg in a landmine blast during a military operation at the LoC in 2002.
From being a soldier who dreamed of safeguarding his country to making India proud on the world stage, Hokato Hotozhe Sema's life has been all about serving the nation. On Friday, Sema won the bronze medal in the men's shot put F57 final, with a personal best effort of 14.65m.
CREDIT: KHEL INDIA
Hokato Hotozhe Sema wins India's 27th medal
Sema started with 13.88m before touching 14.00m. He followed that with 14.40m, 14.65m, 14.15m, and 13.80m. This was India's 27th medal in the ongoing Paris Paralympics.
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. pic.twitter.com/G9tUlAoGv6
¡ª Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 7, 2024
F57 category in Paralympics
The F57 category is for field athletes who compete while seated and have limb deficiencies or other impairments that don't fit into other classes. Athletes in the F57 classification compete in events such as the shot put, discus, and javelin. In these events, athletes generate power from their upper body alone, leaning back and using their arms and shoulders to throw the shot put or javelin.
CREDIT: KHEL INDIA
Who is Hokato Hotozhe Sema
Born in Dimapur, Nagaland, Sema wanted to join the elite Special Forces (SF) and started his career with the Indian Army's 9 Assam Regiment as a havildar. However, he lost his left leg in a landmine blast during a military operation at the LoC in 2002.
Who is Hokato Sema ?
¡ª The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 6, 2024
Hokato Sema, 40
- Born in Nagaland
- Joined the Indian Army at 17
- Dreamt of Joining Elite Special Forces
Unfortunately, He lost his legs due to landmine blast during a Counter Infiltration Operation at LOC in 2002
HE IS NOW A PARALYMPICS MEDALIST ??? pic.twitter.com/GJ0jZXhwVl
Unwilling to give up, post his amputation, Sema took to sports and started training in shot put at the age of 32. Sema is still a part of the Indian Army and is currently based in Pune.
CREDIT: KHEL INDIA
He made his debut at the World Championships in 2023 but could only manage a seventh-spot finish.
Hokato Hotozhe Sema has delivered an extraordinary performance in the Men's Shot Put F57 at #Paralympics2024, achieving a remarkable Bronze Medal!
¡ª Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 6, 2024
Hailing from Nagaland, his unwavering spirit & determination continue to elevate the pride of our nation. A true celebration of¡ pic.twitter.com/Xwm9mKeR1Q
Before the Paris Paralympics, Sema's best performance in international competitions was the bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Para Games with a 13.94m throw.
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Bobins Abraham is the Assistant News Editor at Indiatimes. He has more than twelve years of experience in TV and digital journalism. An avid student of history and geopolitics, he is a conservationist and environmentalist at heart. He writes on environment, sustainability, human-animal conflict and more.
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