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DIMAPUR — Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi felicitated Paralympians from the Indian Army, including Naib Subedar Hokato Sema from Nagaland, who had participated in this year’s Paris Paralympics.
A press release issued by the PRO of Defence on Saturday informed that the Army Chief interacted with Indian Army Paralympic athletes at the Army House.
“During this inspiring engagement, General Dwivedi praised their outstanding achievements and steadfast determination, reflecting the Army's immense pride in their successes. The felicitated athletes include: Subedar Soman Rana (Shot put); Subedar K Narayana (Rowing) Naib Subedar Hokato Sema (Shot put), who clinched a Bronze medal; and Naib Subedar Amir Ahmad Bhat (Shooting).
“Additionally, Ms Simran Sharma, wife of Naik Gajender Singh, was also honoured for her Bronze medal win in the 200m Athletics event”, it informed.
The Defence press release further noted that Hokato’s Bronze medal “is the first for the Army Paralympic Node, building on the legacy of Murlikant Petkar, the first Paralympian medallist from the Army and the state of Nagaland.”
General Dwivedi emphasised the importance of perseverance and excellence, underscoring the role of sports in building character and national pride, it added. “This interaction not only celebrated the athletes' accomplishments at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, but also reinforced the Army’s commitment to supporting their journey and pushing their limits as they continue to bring honour to the nation”, it stated.
Robust support system
The Defence statement also highlighted the Army’s long history of “deep commitment to the well-being and rehabilitation of its personnel”, particularly those who have sustained injuries in the line of duty.
“This commitment is evident in the extensive network of support systems established by the Army, including the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres at Pune, Mohali, and various regional locations, the Spinal Cord Injury Centre at Military Hospital, Kirkee, the Artificial Limb Centre, and Queen Mary’s Technical Institute, Pune.
“These institutions provide comprehensive care, training, and rehabilitation, ensuring that injured soldiers receive the best possible support. Through these initiatives, the Army fosters resilience, adaptability, and a renewed sense of purpose, enabling disabled soldiers to reintegrate into society and continue contributing meaningfully to the nation”, it explained.
It described the establishment of the Army Paralympic Node in 2017 as a pioneering step.
“The Army Paralympic Node is designed to support and empower soldiers who have been injured in service, offering them specialised training and resources to excel in Paralympic sports. Within a short period of time, Indian Army athletes have acquitted themselves admirably in various national and international sports competitions.
“The medal tally of 7 at the 4th Asian Para Games stands testimony, not only to the spirit of these specially-abled soldiers but also of the Indian Army’s commitment in providing them opportunities to excel. For the first time ever, one athlete from the Army Paralympic Node won a medal at the Paralympic Games Paris 2024”, it reminded.