From Soldier to Paralympic Hero: Landmine Survivor Hokato Sema Wins Bronze in Shot Put at 2024 Games

Hokato Sema, a 40-year-old landmine blast survivor and former Indian Army soldier from Dimapur, Nagaland, has made the nation proud by securing a bronze medal in the men’s F57 shot put category at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Despite losing his left leg during an anti-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir in 2002, Sema’s indomitable spirit led him to excel in sports, taking up shot put in 2016 and quickly rising to become one of India’s top para-athletes. His career-best throw of 14.65 meters at the Paralympics stands as a testament to his perseverance and determination.

Key Highlights of Hokato Sema’s Journey and Achievement:

1. Landmine Blast Survivor: Hokato Sema, an Indian Army man from Dimapur, Nagaland, lost his left leg in a landmine blast during an anti-terrorist operation in Chowkibal, Jammu & Kashmir in 2002.

2. Bronze Medal at 2024 Paralympic Games: Sema secured a bronze medal in the men’s F57 shot put category at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, with a career-best throw of 14.65 meters.

3. Previous Achievements: Prior to the 2024 Paralympics, Sema had won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Para Games in 2023.

4. Impressive Performance: Sema started his Paralympic final with a throw of 13.88 meters, progressively improving to 14.40 meters, and eventually surpassing his personal best of 14.49 meters on his fourth attempt.

5. Inspiration to Take Up Shot Put: Sema was encouraged by a senior Army official at the Pune-based Artificial Limb Centre to pursue shot put after recognizing his fitness. He began his shot-put career in 2016 at the age of 32.

6. Medalists in the Event: Iran’s Yasin Khosravi won gold with a throw of 15.96 meters, setting a Paralympic record. Brazil’s Thiago Dos Santos claimed silver with a best throw of 15.06 meters.

7. Nagaland’s Pride: Sema is the only athlete from Nagaland to represent India in the 2024 Paralympic Games, making his achievement a significant source of pride for the state.

8. Late Start in Sports: Despite beginning his shot-put career in his 30s, Sema quickly rose to prominence, competing in the National Para Athletics Championships within the same year he started.