Indian para athlete Hokato Sema made his country proud by securing a bronze medal in the men’s F57 shot put final at the Paris Paralympics on Friday. This remarkable achievement came with a career-best throw of 14.65 meters, a testament to his dedication and resilience.
Sema, a 40-year-old from Dimapur, has overcome adversity throughout his life. He is a landmine-blast survivor who has shown incredible strength and determination to excel in sports. He previously won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Para Games last year, demonstrating his consistent performance on the global stage.
His journey in the final was filled with excitement. Sema started with a modest throw of 13.88 meters, but he quickly found his rhythm and surpassed the 14-meter mark on his second attempt. His third throw was even better, reaching an impressive 14.40 meters. However, it was his fourth throw that truly shone, exceeding his personal best of 14.49 meters and securing the coveted bronze medal.
The other Indian competitor, Soman Rana, who won silver at the Hangzhou Para Games, finished fifth with a best throw of 14.07 meters. The F57 category is designed for field athletes who have a specific set of physical challenges. These athletes must compensate for limited leg movement, often with one leg having a lower degree of impairment than the other. Despite this, they maintain full upper body strength, showcasing incredible skill and athleticism.
Sema’s achievement at the Paris Paralympics is an inspiration to all, proving that with determination and hard work, any goal can be achieved, no matter the obstacles faced. His journey is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and succeed on the world stage.
