Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a former Indian Army soldier, has etched his name in the annals of Paralympic history by securing a bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 final at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. His victory, achieved with a career-best throw of 14.65 meters, adds another feather to the cap of the Indian Paralympic contingent, which has achieved its best-ever performance at the Games with a total of 27 medals (six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze). This surpasses their previous best of 20 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Sema’s journey to the podium is a testament to his extraordinary resilience and unwavering determination. In 2002, while serving in the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chowkibal, he was severely injured in a landmine blast during an anti-terrorist operation, losing his left leg below the knee. The incident left him with immense physical pain and mental trauma, but it also ignited a new dream – to excel in para-sports.
Despite the challenges, Sema embraced his new path with remarkable zeal. He began training at the Army Paralympic Node, BEG Centre in Pune, and after years of dedicated training, he achieved his breakthrough in 2016 by competing in the National Para Athletics Championships in Jaipur. His journey continued with back-to-back medal wins at international events, including a silver at the Morocco Grand Prix and a bronze at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in 2022.
However, Sema’s determination to compete at the Paralympics faced a setback when he narrowly missed out on a medal at the 2024 World Championships, finishing fourth. Undeterred, he went on to make his Paralympic debut in Paris and secured the bronze medal, battling fierce competition and overcoming his physical limitations.
His bronze medal is a significant achievement not only for him but also for the Indian Army, marking their first-ever medal in athletics at the Paralympic Games. Sema’s triumph is an inspiration to other soldiers, showcasing the transformative power of perseverance in the face of adversity. He is now set to aim for even greater heights at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Sema’s victory as a proud moment for India, recognizing his exceptional strength and determination. He also acknowledged the support of the Khelo India initiative and the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) scheme, which played a pivotal role in Sema’s training and development.
