Dimapur: Nagaland’s first Paralympics medalist Hokato Hotozhe Sema was accorded a rousing welcome by the Naga civil society organisations, NGOs, student bodies, and people from all walks of life on his arrival at Dimapur airport from New Delhi on Thursday.
The Western Sumi Hoho and other frontal organisations organised the reception at the airport in honour of Sema who won a bronze medal in the Men’s F57 shot put event at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
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An Indian para-athlete from Nagaland and a junior commissioned officer in the Indian army, Sema was born into a farmer’s family in P Vihoto village under the Aghunaqa area in Niuland district on December 24, 1983.
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He joined the Indian Army as a havildar and was promoted to Naib Subedar with 9 Assam Regiment.
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Sema lost his left leg during an operation at the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir due to a landmine blast in 2002. His tryst with shot put began at the age of 32.
In his short address at the airport, Sema said he was overwhelmed by the grand welcome and thanked the people for honouring and showing their love and full support for him.
Sharing his success story, he said his goal had always been to win a medal for Nagaland like athletes from other northeastern states who have won many medals.
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He said a week before the Paris Paralympics, he suffered injuries and was down with a fever but his determination to win a medal for Nagaland kept him going strong.
“By God’s grace and support of the people I won a medal,” Sema said.
He said he was proud to represent Nagaland and create history by securing a bronze medal in the international sports arena.
He thanked the people of Nagaland for their prayers and support throughout his journey.