New Delhi: Nagaland’s Paralympian Hokato Hotozhe Sema has achieved another historic milestone by becoming the World No. 1 in the men’s Shot Put F57 category, according to the latest World Para Athletics Rankings. The achievement further cements his place among India’s finest para-athletes and marks another proud moment for Nagaland and the country.

Sema’s rise to the top of the global rankings comes after a series of outstanding performances on the international stage. The ranking reflects his consistency and dedication in para athletics, making him the highest-ranked athlete in his event worldwide.

Historic achievement for Nagaland

Hokato Sema has already created history by becoming the first athlete from Nagaland to win a Paralympic medal for India. He secured a bronze medal in the men’s Shot Put F57 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, bringing immense pride to the northeastern state and inspiring aspiring athletes across the country.

Earlier, he also won a bronze medal in the Shot Put F56/F57 category at the 2022 Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China. His latest achievement as World No. 1 adds another significant chapter to his remarkable sporting journey.

Chief Minister congratulates Sema

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Hokato Sema on his achievement and praised him for bringing honour to both the state and the nation.

In a message, Rio said that Sema’s achievement of becoming World No. 1 in the men’s Shot Put F57 category is a matter of immense pride for Nagaland and India. He wished the athlete continued success in his future competitions.

The recognition has also drawn appreciation from the sporting community, which sees Sema’s success as a reflection of India’s growing strength in para athletics.

India dominates the rankings

India has made a strong impression in the latest World Para Athletics Rankings in the men’s Shot Put F57 category.

Alongside Hokato Sema’s top ranking, Indian athletes Rana Soman and Juyal Shubham have secured the second and third positions respectively. The rankings highlight India’s dominance in the discipline and underline the country’s improving standards in para sports at the international level.

The impressive performance of Indian athletes reflects sustained investment in para sports, improved coaching facilities and increasing support for differently-abled athletes.

From soldier to Paralympic champion

Hokato Hotozhe Sema serves as a Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army with the Assam Rifles. His journey to becoming one of the world’s leading para-athletes is one of determination and resilience.

He joined the Indian Army as a Havildar and was later promoted to Naib Subedar with the 9 Assam Regiment. His ambition was to serve in the Special Forces, but fate had different plans.

In October 2002, while participating in a counter-infiltration operation near Chowkibal along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, Sema accidentally stepped on a landmine. The explosion resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. He was only 19 years old at the time.

Despite the life-changing injury, Sema refused to give up. Instead, he rebuilt his life and discovered a new passion in sports.

A late start, a remarkable rise

Unlike many elite athletes who begin training at a young age, Hokato Sema started competing in shot put only at the age of 32.

Under the guidance of coach Rakesh Rawat, he steadily developed into one of India’s top para-athletes. His dedication, discipline and perseverance helped him rise rapidly through the international rankings.

Sema is currently supported by Olympic Gold Quest, a non-profit organisation that assists elite Indian athletes in preparing for international competitions.

His achievements have made him a role model for athletes across the country, particularly those who have overcome physical challenges.

National honours recognise excellence

Apart from his sporting achievements, Hokato Sema has received several prestigious national honours.

He was conferred the Arjuna Award in recognition of his excellence in sports and contribution to para athletics. More recently, he became the first Paralympian to receive the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), one of India’s highest military honours, acknowledging both his distinguished service in the armed forces and his extraordinary accomplishments in sports.

These recognitions underline his dual contribution as a decorated soldier and an internationally acclaimed athlete.

Inspiring the next generation

Hokato Sema’s journey from surviving a devastating landmine explosion to becoming the world’s top-ranked shot put athlete is an inspiring example of resilience, courage and determination. His success not only strengthens India’s reputation in para athletics but also motivates countless young athletes to overcome adversity and pursue excellence.

With the World No. 1 ranking now to his name, Sema will look to continue his impressive run on the international stage and further enhance India’s standing in global para sports.