Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Kohima: President Droupadi Murmu presented the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal to Subedar Hokato Sema of the 9 Assam Regiment. The ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It honors his military service and his rise as a top para-athlete.
Sema grew up in Nagaland and joined the Army at 17. He lost his left leg to a landmine in 2002 while serving near the Line of Control. The injury ended his dreams of the Special Forces. He refused to quit the military.
He transitioned to shot put at age 32. Training under the Army Paralympic Node, he eventually claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games with a 14.65-meter throw. He is now Nagaland's first-ever Paralympic medalist.
The soldier holds the national record for the F57 sitting shot put. His career includes a silver at the 2022 Morocco Grand Prix and a bronze at the 2022 Asian Para Games. He also previously earned the Vishisht Seva Medal and the Arjuna Award.
Sema credits his success to his wife, who sacrificed her own meals to support his training during tough times. After winning bronze in Paris, he said, "This is for my wife."
The Nagaland government gifted him 1.5 crore rupees for his achievement. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio praised the soldier on social media for his commitment to duty. Sema remains in the service of the Indian Army, having already qualified for the 2026 Asian Games.
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