Beyond the podium: A call for greater support in parasports

“State’s first-ever medal at the elite sporting level achieved by a para-athlete”

Atono Tsükrü Kense
Kohima | September 22

The recent bronze medal victory of Hokato Hotozhe Sema at the Paris Paralympics 2024 has not only brought pride to Nagaland but has also sparked a call for greater support and recognition for parasports in the state.

While the disabled community celebrates Sema’s remarkable achievement, it has also expressed thoughts on the implications of his success and the challenges faced by para-athletes. Many are hopeful that this milestone will serve as a turning point for the development of parasports in Nagaland.

Speaking to The Morung Express, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Diethono Nakhro hailed Sema’s victory as a monumental achievement for both the country and the state. According to Nakhro, “Sema’s win serves as a powerful inspiration for young disabled athletes across the state, positioning him as a role model.” She also appreciated the Rs 1.5 crore reward from the State Government, viewing it as “a commitment to promote excellence in sports, particularly among the disabled community.”

“This kind of recognition and support not only boosts the morale of individual athletes but also sends a powerful message about the value of inclusion in sports,” she stated.

Nakhro, who has long advocated for increased attention to parasports in Nagaland, reiterated her call for greater investment in the sector, stating that Sema’s victory clearly demonstrates the immense potential of disabled athletes. She pointed out, “Nagaland’s first-ever medal at the elite sporting level was achieved by a para-athlete.”

While noting that many disabled youngsters have excelled in various regional and national competitions, including blind football, blind judo, the Special Olympics, and other individual sports, Nakhro lamented the lack of recognition and support for these athletes. “If we invest more in parasports, including infrastructure, training facilities, and funding, many more disabled athletes can reach the highest levels of competition, just as Hokato has,” she asserted.

Remaining hopeful, Nakhro believes Sema’s success will serve as a catalyst for greater inclusivity and representation in sports. While accolades and praise are important, she emphasized the need for sustained support, expressing optimism that with the right backing, Nagaland will become a powerhouse for producing top para-athletes in the coming years.

Lack of support and recognition
President of the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF), Vikengunu Fatima Kera, highlighted the lack of infrastructure and support from both the government and society, despite a wealth of talent within the community. She noted that many para-athletes have represented the state at zonal and national sports events and have brought laurels to the state over the years, lamenting that “they are not being recognized, and there is very little support for them.”

While NSDF has been assisting groups like the Nagaland Blind Football teams, both men and women, to enable their participation in these events, Kera expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, the disability nodal department, and private donors for their support.

Voicing concern over the lack of long-term, structured support from the government, Kera hopes that the Sports Department and the government will initiate specific programs to nurture, promote, and support disabled sportspersons. “I hope our voices will be heard for lasting change,” she stated.

Inclusion beyond mere tokenism
Highlighting the difficult realities faced by disabled athletes in Nagaland, Senior Executive Member of NSDF and Assistant Coach of the Nagaland Blind Football Team, Kezhaleto Zecho, emphasized the need for genuine inclusion in parasports, beyond mere “tokenism.”

“The community’s excitement over some positive movement in the parasport arena—such as the formation of the Parasports Committee in 2020 and the transition from Nagaland Olympic Games to Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games—has turned out to be quite disappointing due to the lack of programs,” Zecho stated.

“If we’re really going to have Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games, it has to be true inclusion and not mere tokenism,” he asserted. He described the challenges faced in preparing the Nagaland Blind Football Team for zonal and national tournaments as a “massive struggle” due to insufficient support for parasports.

Zecho recalled an incident earlier this year when the men’s team participated in the NE Zonal Tournament in Aizawl, Mizoram.

Three pairs of players’ boots became unusable, and he had to rush to Aizawl town to purchase new ones. “Even with limited funds, our team returned home with the runner-up trophy,” he stated.

Taking Sema’s victory as a starting point, Zecho hoped that due importance will be given to disability sports by creating proper mechanisms and programs to identify, train, and promote Naga para-athletes.

A sparkling hope for Khesoh
For Vethi Khesoh, a Senior Secondary Student at Deaf Biblical Ministry Dimapur with aspirations in cricket and arm wrestling, Sema’s victory has strengthened his resolve to achieve excellence in his fields.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, including limited access to infrastructure and well-devised programs, Khesoh expressed optimism that with the right support, disabled individuals like him can achieve their dreams and bring pride to their communities, just as the bronze medallist has done.

Need for proper support
Temsutola Jamir, a National Award recipient for Persons with Disabilities in 2022, expressed her joy in Sema’s achievement, showcasing the potential of other athletes with disabilities to excel on the global stage.

A resource teacher of the deaf at Samagra Siksha, Jamir, who received the National Award for her performance in several state and national level sports, stated that she couldn’t pursue a career in sports due to a lack of facilities and guidance to further her skills.

“As we celebrate Hokato’s win, it is vital for our state government to prioritize and take the initiative to promote and support disabled individuals pursuing sports as a career,” she emphasized, adding that many young athletes with disabilities in the state possess great potential and need proper guidance, infrastructure, professional training, and funds.

Meanwhile, the President of Mokokchung District Disabled Forum (MDDF), Imkongnungchet Kichu; President of Differently Abled People’s Organisation Peren, Ngaugongbe; General Secretary of Mon District Disability People’s Society, M. Nangpa; and Executive Member, Daihe Kape, hailed Sema’s incredible success as a source of inspiration for many individuals with disabilities in Nagaland.

While celebrating his success, they expressed hope that this achievement would prompt the government to support the disabled community in exploring their hidden talents by providing proper facilities and opportunities, ensuring future para-athletes receive the support they need to excel.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/beyond-the-podium-a-call-for-greater-support-in-parasports