Hokato Hotozhe Sema becomes Nagaland’s first Olympic medallist; President Murmu, PM Modi, lead nation in hailing feat

September 8, 2024 4 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 8

Hokato Hotozhe Sema, once again has scripted history, this time on a bigger stage, as the first-ever person from Nagaland to win a medal at the Olympics. He achieved this feat at the ongoing Paralympic Games Paris 2024 on September 6 by winning Bronze in the Men’s Shot Put – F57 Final.

Hokato’s 14.65-metre throw, his personal best, was enough to enter the history books.

According to the official Paralympic website, he achieved the feat on his 4th attempt out of six available in the final at Stade de France, Paris. World record holder Yasin Khosravi of Iran took the Gold with a Paralympic Record of 15.96 m, while Brazil’s Thiago Paulino dos Santos took home the Silver with a throw of 15.06 m.

Hokato had earlier scripted history on October 25, 2022, becoming the first-ever Asian Games medalist from Nagaland by winning Bronze in the Shot Put F-56/57 category in the 4th Asian Para Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China. The Sports Authority of India then informed that he achieved the record with his personal best throw of 13.94 m. Hokato’s teammate, Soman Rana, won Silver, while Khosravi also won the Gold medal.

A Havildar with the 9 Assam Regiment, Hokato, reportedly lost his leg to a landmine in 2002 during a counter-operation at the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, among others, hailed Hokato’s achievement.

“Heartiest congratulations to Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning the bronze medal in the men’s shot put event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. A survivor of a landmine blast, Hokato has won a medal in his debut Paralympics. I wish him greater accomplishments in the future,” President Murmu congratulated on X.

PM Modi called the feat a “proud moment” and lauded his incredible strength and exceptional determination.

“A proud moment for our nation as Hokato Hotozhe Sema brings home the Bronze medal in Men’s Shot Put F57! His incredible strength and determination are exceptional. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for the endeavors ahead,” he stated in a message on X.

Union Minister of Labour and Employment; Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also joined the celebration and called it a remarkable achievement.

“Hokato Hotozhe Sema has carved a moment of greatness at #Paralympics2024! With every ounce of strength & determination, he earns a Bronze Medal in Men’s Shot Put F57. A remarkable achievement that will echo in the hearts of many! Proud of you champ!,” he posted on X.

The Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, also took to X to laud Hokato’s “extraordinary achievement.” “Your bronze medal and incredible personal best marks a new chapter in the state’s sporting history, especially as the first-ever athlete from Nagaland to achieve this feat,” he said.

“Despite the personal challenges you’ve faced during the course of your service to the nation at the Line of Control, your unwavering dedication and your fighting spirit inspire millions across the nation. Your exemplary service in the Indian Army and in the global sports arena is a true example of perseverance, bravery, and excellence. India celebrates you and your remarkable victory!” Ganesan added.

CM Rio also hailed the feat and called Hokato a ‘true inspiration and a role model.’ “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 have led to this outstanding achievement. He is a true inspiration & a role model,” he added.

Meanwhile, as per the official Paralympic website, at the start of September 7, India was placed 18th in the medal standing with a total of 17 medals – 6 Gold, 9 Silver, and 12 Bronze. In terms of the total, India was placed 14th.

The Paralympic Games Paris 2024, which commenced on August 28, will conclude on September 8.