Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a 40-year-old Army Havildar from Nagaland, made his Paralympics debut remarkable by winning the country's 27th medal, a bronze in the shot put event with a personal best of 14.65 metres in his third attempt. Sema's inspiring journey includes losing his left leg in a landmine blast and taking up shot put at the age of 32. Yasin Khosravi from Iran set an all-time Paralympics record to claim the gold medal, while Sema's compatriot Soman Rana put up a solid performance but finished fifth.
Hokato Hotozhe Sema: A Soldier's Triumph from Adversity
Hokato Hotozhe Sema, a 40-year-old Army Havildar from Nagaland, has made history by winning India's 27th medal at the Paralympics in Tokyo. Sema's remarkable achievement is a testament to his resilience and determination in overcoming life's challenges.
Early Life and Military Service
Sema joined the Indian Army in 2003. During a counter-insurgency operation in April 2016, he stepped on a landmine that resulted in the loss of his left leg. Despite the devastating injury, Sema remained committed to serving his country. With the support of his family and the Army, he underwent rehabilitation and resumed his duties.
Journey to Shot Put
At the age of 32, Sema discovered his passion for shot put while participating in sports competitions organized for injured veterans. With little prior experience, he began training with the guidance of his coach at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.
Paralympics Debut
Sema made his Paralympics debut at the Tokyo Games in 2021. Competing in the F46 category, he faced off against some of the world's best athletes. In his third attempt, Sema achieved a personal best of 14.65 meters, securing a bronze medal.
India's Paralympic Success
Sema's triumph is a continuation of India's success at the Paralympics. With a total of 27 medals at the Tokyo Games, India recorded its highest-ever medal tally. The country has now won a total of 128 medals at the Paralympics, including 49 golds.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Hokato Hotozhe Sema and the Paralympics
1. How did Hokato Hotozhe Sema lose his leg?
2. How old was Sema when he started competing in shot put?
3. What is the F46 category in the Paralympics?
4. Who won the gold medal in the shot put event at the Tokyo Paralympics?
5. How many medals has India won at the Paralympics?
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After initially winning silver, Navdeep Singh was awarded India's first-ever gold medal in the men's javelin F41 category at the Paris Paralympics. This was a result of Iran's Sadegh Beit Sayah being disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag during the competition. Navdeep, who competes in the classification meant for athletes of short stature, produced a personal best effort of 47.32m to claim the top position.