Nagaland's Hokato Hotozhe Sema wins bronze in the F56/F57 shot put at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan
Dedicates medal to people of Nagaland
KOHIMA — Hokato Hotozhe Sema on Tuesday added another international medal to his growing tally, winning bronze in the men’s F56/F57 shot put at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a throw of 14.65 metres.
The Arjuna Awardee finished third behind Iran’s Yasin Khosravi, who won gold with a Games-record throw of 15.25 metres, and Saudi Arabia’s Haidr Salamh, who took silver with 14.97 metres. India’s Soman Rana finished fourth with 13.80 metres.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Sema said the performance was not his personal best but expressed satisfaction at winning a medal despite the challenges he had faced.
“In sports, there are times when you win and times when you lose. We have to embrace both,” he said, adding that he had worked hard for the medal and dedicated his achievement to the people of Nagaland.
Sema said he would continue training to improve his performance in future competitions.
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“This time in Japan was not my personal best, but at least I got something. I will train and do my best next time. I will improve,” he said.
He said he would travel from Japan to Delhi on October 26 and was expected to return to Nagaland in November.
Sema’s bronze medal drew congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
In a message, Modi said Sema had shown great passion and dedication, improving on his performance at the previous edition of the Games. He congratulated the athlete and expressed hope that he would continue making India proud.
Murmu also congratulated Sema, stating that his achievement had added another medal to India’s tally in para-athletics. She wished him success in winning more medals for the country in the coming years.
Rio described the achievement as a matter of great honour for Nagaland and India. “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning Bronze in the Men’s Shot Put F56/F57 at the 5th Asian Para Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
“His achievement brings great honour for Nagaland and India. May his success inspire us all to pursue our goals with dedication,” he wrote.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Athletics Federation of India vice-president and Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland chairman Abu Metha also congratulated Sema, describing him as Nagaland’s “Power Ranger and Ironman”.
Metha highlighted Sema’s successive Asian Para Games medals and his bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.