Ukhrul, Jan 17: Para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema from Nagaland has been conferred the prestigious Arjuna Award by President Droupadi Murmu in recognition of his exceptional achievements in the 2024 Paralympic Games. The award ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, celebrated the accomplishments of India’s top sports talents on Friday. The athlete brings immense pride and glory to his home state of Nagaland with his remarkable achievements.
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Hokato Sema made history as the first Naga Olympian to secure a medal at the Paralympics, winning a bronze in the men’s shot put F57 class at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. His personal best throw of 14.65 meters on his fourth attempt earned him this historic milestone. He is also the first Naga para-athlete to receive the Arjuna Award, the second-highest honor presented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to recognize outstanding performance in sports and games.
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Hokato Sema, a para-athlete and Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, hails from P. Vihoto Village in the Niuland district of Nagaland. Despite losing his left leg in a landmine blast during a military operation in 2002, he has demonstrated exceptional determination and resilience, culminating in his remarkable achievements.
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Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Hokato Sema on receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award.
“Heartiest congratulations to Mr. H. Hokato Sema on receiving the prestigious #ArjunaAwards for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games 2024 in the Para-Athletics discipline. His dedication and achievements have inspired countless aspiring athletes,” Neiphiu Rio wrote.
Meanwhile, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, other sports stars were also honored. Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar received the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu.
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