Defying the odds, shot-putter Hokato Sema from Nagaland became the first athlete from his state to win a Paralympic medal. After losing his leg in a landmine blast while serving in the Army, Sema had to give up his dream of joining the Special Forces. However, a decision to take up shot put in 2016 led to his national and international success, culminating in a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Hokato Hotozhe Sema: The Paralympic Hero from Nagaland
Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a shot-putter from Nagaland, has defied all odds to become an inspiration for countless people. His story of triumph over adversity is a testament to the human spirit's resilience.
Early Life and Military Service
Hokato was born in a remote village in Nagaland. He joined the Indian Army as a young man and served with distinction. However, his life took a tragic turn in 2011 when he stepped on a landmine while on patrol. The explosion resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee.
Post-Injury Journey
The loss of his leg shattered Hokato's dreams of joining the Special Forces. He initially struggled with depression and hopelessness. However, in 2016, he decided to take up shot put as a way to regain his sense of purpose.
Sporting Success
Hokato's innate athleticism and determination quickly propelled him to success. He won the national shot put championship for disabled athletes in 2017. In 2019, he made history by becoming the first athlete from Nagaland to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Hokato represented India at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Despite facing stiff competition, he delivered a remarkable performance, winning a bronze medal in the men's shot put F46 event. His medal marked a landmark achievement for Nagaland and India, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of Hokato's Paralympic medal for Nagaland? Hokato's medal is a symbol of hope and inspiration for the people of Nagaland, demonstrating that even the most severe challenges can be overcome with determination.
2. How did Hokato discover his passion for shot put? After losing his leg, Hokato was introduced to shot put by a fellow army officer who recognized his athletic potential.
3. What are Hokato's plans for the future? Hokato aims to continue competing in shot put and represent India at future Paralympic Games. He also hopes to use his platform to empower other disabled athletes.
4. What are the major challenges faced by disabled athletes in India? Disabled athletes in India often face barriers such as limited access to training facilities, financial constraints, and societal stigma.
5. How can we support disabled athletes in India? Supporting disabled athletes involves creating inclusive environments, providing them with access to quality training and equipment, and inspiring them with stories of triumph like Hokato's.
India's batting line-up faces a major setback as the Women's ODI World Cup semifinals nears, with star opener Pratika Rawal ruled out due to a freak injury. The team is now looking for a replacement to open alongside Smriti Mandhana, with options like Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, and even the return of Shafali Verma being considered for the crucial match against Australia. Rawal's absence will be a huge blow for India's chances of lifting the World Cup.
With the unfortunate injury of Pratika Rawal, India has named Shafali Verma as the official replacement in their squad for the Women's ODI World Cup. The 21-year-old opening batter had been dropped from the team's ODI plans but her impressive form in the shortest format has earned her this opportunity. Verma will have to fill in for the consistent Rawal, who had a phenomenal partnership with Smriti Mandhana, and impress in a format she hasn't played in since 2024.
Shafali Verma has been named as the replacement for the injured Pratika Rawal in India's squad for the World Cup semifinal against Australia. Rawal had suffered a freak injury while fielding in the last group stage game against Bangladesh. Verma, who has been in good form in domestic cricket, is expected to open the innings with Smriti Mandhana in the knockout clash. Rawal's absence will be a blow for India, as she has been a key player for the team and holds the record for the joint fastest century in ODIs.
India's promising opener, Pratika Rawal, has been ruled out of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 due to a severe ankle injury sustained during the team's last league game against Bangladesh. The injury occurred due to the wet ground conditions as the match was reduced to 43 overs per side. Rawal, who had an impressive year in international cricket, will be a significant loss for India as they face Australia in the semifinals.
According to sources, Indian ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, was admitted to the ICU at a Sydney hospital after suffering an impact injury during the third ODI against Australia. The injury appeared minor at first but after returning to the dressing room, Iyer suffered internal bleeding and was quickly admitted to the hospital by the BCCI team doctor. Fans are now anxiously waiting for Iyer's speedy recovery and return to the field.
In a major setback for Team India, opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the World Cup semi-final against Australia due to an ankle injury sustained in the match against Bangladesh. Rawal, who had played a crucial role in the team's victory against New Zealand, suffered a fracture and will not be able to take part in the crucial match. There are also concerns over the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who was hit on her finger in the previous match and did not play against Bangladesh. As a result, India will have to make some changes to their line-up and also decide who will open the innings with Smriti Mandhana in the match against Australia.
Indian cricket fans were dealt a major blow as vice-captain Shreyas Iyer's injury turns out to be more severe than expected. The batter, who was part of the ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour, suffered internal bleeding after attempting a diving catch in the third match of the series. He has been admitted to the ICU and will need time to recover, making his participation in the 2025 tour uncertain. Though his condition is now stable, it could have been fatal if not for the timely intervention of the BCCI's medical team.
As Australia prepares for the upcoming Ashes 2025 series, they have confirmed that stand-in captain Steve Smith will lead the team in the first Test, with Pat Cummins still recovering from a lumbar stress injury. This will be Smith's sixth time leading the team since 2021, and he has proven to be a successful captain in the past. With Cummins out, Scott Boland's recent hat-trick against the West Indies has secured his spot in the attack for the first Test. Despite Cummins resuming bowling, Cricket Australia has also announced that leg-spinner Adam Zampa will miss the T20I series against India due to personal reasons. Stay updated with all the latest sports news and live match coverage.
WNBA star Sophie Cunningham is scheduled to appear on Monday's episode of "Good Morning America", making her first appearance on the popular morning show. Cunningham, who was recently in New York City, will be joining host Robin Roberts and other guests to discuss her rise in the WNBA and her dreams of becoming a Victoria's Secret "angel". With the potential for a lockout looming, Cunningham's future in the WNBA is uncertain, but her star continues to rise both on and off the court.
Despite facing boos from fans during his post-race interview, Lando Norris delivered a dominant performance at the Mexican City Grand Prix and regained the top spot in the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. The McLaren driver responded to the jeers by saying he couldn't stop laughing at his critics and that he would "ignore all of this". Norris, who also faced boos during the trophy presentation, brushed off the criticism and found the situation "entertaining".