Hokato Sema’s journey to the Paralympic podium is nothing short of inspiring. The 40-year-old shot putter from Dimapur, Nagaland, overcame a life-altering event when he lost his left leg in a landmine explosion during an anti-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir in 2002. Despite the immense challenges he faced, Sema’s indomitable spirit and perseverance led him to the world stage, where he made his nation proud once again.

On Friday in Paris, Sema delivered the throw of his life, achieving a career-best of 14.65 meters in the men’s F57 shot put category. This great effort secured him the bronze medal. After starting with a throw of 13.88 meters, Sema quickly found his rhythm, surpassing the 14-meter mark on his second attempt, before pushing even further with a 14.40-meter heave.

However, it was in his fourth throw that Sema truly outdid himself, surpassing his previous best of 14.49 meters to cement his place on the podium. For Sema, this bronze at the Paralympic Games is not just a personal victory, but a powerful reminder of what it means to triumph over adversity.

(Source: Google Images) 

Sema started the shot-put in 2016 at the age of 32 when a senior army officer at the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune encouraged him to do so after observing his level of fitness. That same year, he participated in the National Para Athletics Championships in Jaipur. Field athletes in the F57 group have limited mobility in one leg, moderate movement in both feet, or no movement at all. These athletes have complete upper body power, but they must make up for a notable asymmetry in leg power.

A proud moment for all the efforts made ~

(Source: Google Image)

India's Paralympic team etched its name in history at the Paris Games, delivering a stellar performance with a record 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze. This remarkable achievement surpasses their previous best at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where the country secured 19 medals.

In a "proud moment" for the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning the bronze medal!