UKHRUL: In a proud moment for the Indian Army and the nation, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) on Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema of the 9 Assam Regiment during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The prestigious honour recognises his exceptionally distinguished service in the Indian Army and his remarkable achievements as one of India’s leading para-athletes.
The Indian Army also acknowledged Subedar Sema’s outstanding contribution to para sports through its Paralympic Node under the Mission Olympics Wing, where his inspiring journey has become a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and national pride.
A native of P. Vihoto village in Nagaland’s Niuland district, Subedar Sema was born on 24 December 1983 into a humble farming family. Inspired by stories of military heroism, he joined the Indian Army at the age of 17 and became a soldier of the 9 Assam Regiment. His ambition was to serve in the Special Forces, but fate had other plans.
In October 2002, while participating in a counter-infiltration operation at Chowkibal along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the young soldier stepped on a landmine. The devastating explosion resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. At just 19 years old, his dream of joining the Special Forces came to an abrupt end.
However, the injury did not diminish his determination to serve the nation. During his rehabilitation at Army medical facilities in Pune, Sema learned to adapt to his new reality. Supported by the Indian Army, he continued his military career, rising through the ranks from Havildar to Naib Subedar and eventually becoming a Junior Commissioned Officer with the rank of Subedar.
More than a decade after his injury, at the age of 32, Sema discovered a new purpose through para athletics. A chance meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav Dutta introduced him to shot put, and under the guidance of coach Rakesh Rawat, he began training seriously. With continued support from the Army Paralympic Node and Olympic Gold Quest, he steadily emerged as one of India’s finest para shot put athletes.
His breakthrough came at the 2016 National Para Athletics Championships in Jaipur, marking the beginning of an extraordinary sporting journey. He went on to win a silver medal at the 2022 Morocco Grand Prix before claiming bronze in the F56/F57 shot put event at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China. He also represented India at the World Para Athletics Championships and established himself as the national record holder in the F57 sitting shot put event.
ALSO READ: Four From Manipur Honoured with Gallantry Awards, Bringing Pride to the State
The defining moment of his sporting career came at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. On 6 September 2024, Subedar Sema produced a personal-best throw of 14.65 metres in the men’s F57 shot put final to secure the bronze medal. The achievement made him Nagaland’s first-ever Paralympic medallist, creating history for both his state and the country. He has since qualified for the 2026 Asian Games, continuing his pursuit of sporting excellence.
Following his historic Paralympic success, thousands of people gathered to welcome him home in Nagaland. In recognition of his achievement, the Nagaland Government announced a cash reward of ₹1.5 crore.
One of the most touching moments after his Paralympic triumph came when Subedar Sema dedicated his bronze medal to his wife. He revealed that during financially difficult times, she often sacrificed her own meals so that he could eat properly and continue his training. Calling her his greatest pillar of strength, he said, “This is for my wife.”
His extraordinary journey has earned him some of the country’s highest honours. He was earlier awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for distinguished military service and received the Arjuna Award for excellence in para athletics. With the conferment of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2026, he became the first Indian Army para-athlete to receive both the VSM and AVSM.
Congratulating the decorated soldier, Neiphiu Rio wrote on X, “”Congratulations to Subedar H. Hokato Sema on being conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. This prestigious honour is a fitting recognition of his exceptional service, dedication and commitment to duty. Wishing him continued success and many more milestones in his distinguished journey.”
