Dimapur: Hokato Sema, an Indian shot-putter and landmine blast survivor, has made a remarkable comeback by winning a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Sema achieved his career-best throw of 14.65 meters in the men’s F57 category final, securing the bronze medal for India.
The 40-year-old athlete, who lost his left leg in a landmine explosion during an anti-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir’s Chowkibal in 2002, started his performance with a throw of 13.88 meters. Despite a slow start, he demonstrated incredible skill and determination.
Sema, the only athlete from Nagaland in the Indian Paralympic contingent, improved his distance with a throw of 14.40 meters on his second attempt. His best throw came on his fourth attempt, surpassing his previous personal best of 14.49 meters.
Iran’s Yasin Khosravi, a two-time para world champion and gold medallist at the Hangzhou Para Games, won gold with a Paralympic record throw of 15.96 meters. He missed his world record by just five centimeters.
Brazil’s Thiago Dos Santos took the silver medal with his best throw of 15.06 meters. Sema’s impressive performance earned him a place on the podium, underscoring his resilience and skill.
Hokato Sema, inspired by a senior army official at the Pune-based Artificial Limb Centre, took up shot put in 2016 at the age of 32. His dedication led him to compete in the National Para Athletics Championships in Jaipur the same year.
Rana Soman, another Indian competitor and silver medallist from the Hangzhou Para Games, finished fifth in the F57 category with a throw of 14.07 meters.
The F57 category is designed for athletes with significant asymmetry in one leg, moderate impairment in both feet, or limb absence. These athletes rely on their full upper body power to compensate for leg impairments.
Sema’s victory is a testament to his perseverance and the support he received from his mentors and the Indian Army. His story of triumph over adversity has inspired many.
The Paralympic Games continue to highlight the incredible achievements of athletes who overcome significant challenges. Sema’s performance adds to India’s growing legacy in adaptive sports.
With his latest success, Hokato Sema has further cemented his status as a leading athlete in the Paralympic community. His journey from a landmine blast survivor to a bronze medallist exemplifies extraordinary determination and resilience.