Nagaland announces INR 25 lakh for Paralympic medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema as police seek incentives for sportspersons.
DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday announced an additional INR 25 lakh for Nagaland’s Paralympic medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema in recognition of his latest international achievement, while the Nagaland Police disclosed that it had proposed additional marks for outstanding sportspersons during police recruitment.
The announcements were made during the special award ceremony of the 3rd Nagaland State and Para Games 2026, held at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium in the Games Village, Chümoukedima.
Rio said the additional amount was being awarded to Hokato following his bronze medal at the Asian Para Games. This is over and above the INR 1.50 crore previously given to him for his Paralympic achievement.
The announcement was among the highlights of the ceremony, which brought together athletes, officials and representatives from different districts to recognise sporting achievements and discuss the development of sports in Nagaland.
Director General of Police Rupin Sharma said the Nagaland Police had submitted a proposal to the state government seeking additional marks for outstanding sportspersons during police recruitment. The proposal, he clarified, was awaiting the government's consideration.
According to Sharma, the initiative was intended to recognise sporting achievement and encourage young people to pursue sports alongside other career opportunities.
He said the third edition of the State and Para Games had brought together more than 2,700 athletes from all 16 districts, with the event supported by over 1,200 organisers, technical officials and support personnel.
The participation of athletes with visual and hearing impairments was particularly significant, he added, describing it as a reflection of the growing inclusivity of sports in the state. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Nagaland Police in organising the Games and providing support to athletes.
In his address, Rio said sports had the ability to bring people together and foster unity across communities. He congratulated the participants and urged them to aim for higher levels of competition, including national and international events.
The chief minister acknowledged that Nagaland had a history of sporting achievement, recalling Dr. T Ao, who captained the Indian football team at the 1948 London Olympics. However, he said the prolonged Naga political movement and years of instability had affected the development of sports in the state.
Rio said that when he became chief minister in 2003, his government recognised the need to provide young people with opportunities in sports, music and the arts. He recalled seeking 50,000 training and placement opportunities, along with support for self-employment, during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to the state. However, the implementation of the initiative was delayed following a change of government at the Centre, he said.
He also recalled that Nagaland secured affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association in 2004, 41 years after attaining statehood. This enabled athletes from the state to participate in the National Games under Nagaland’s banner. Before that, many had competed by representing other states or clubs.
Rio said the government had since introduced policies to promote sports and was working to improve infrastructure and coaching facilities. He referred to the multi-disciplinary sports complex in Dimapur, which has been handed over to the Sports Authority of India, and said efforts were being made to provide qualified coaches and develop sports facilities across districts.
The ceremony also recognised the State’s contribution to arts, culture and sports development through two awards.
The Golden Beaver Award, conferred on the government of Nagaland at the 12th Indian Film Festival of Alberta in Canada, was formally presented to Rio. The award had been received by Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) chairman Theja Meru on behalf of the chief minister and the state government on October 10 in Edmonton. The festival has conferred the award only twice in its history, with actor Kamal Haasan being the first recipient and Nagaland the second.
The SKOCH Silver Award, presented to the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for its Grassroots Football Festival, popularly known as the Baby League, was also handed over to the chief minister.
Medals were presented to athletes who excelled in the Para Games and boxing competitions. Piulinbou Pamei won gold in the blind men’s shot put, while Odimongba secured gold in the blind men’s 100m event. In deaf women’s arm wrestling, Lanutola Jamir won gold and Khareimi silver.
In men’s boxing (69kg), Letminthang of Phek won gold, Zuchamo of Chümoukedima silver, and Wochothung of Niuland and Martensu of Zunheboto bronze. In the women’s 51kg category, Manchen of Mon won gold, Sochano of Phek silver and Toingam of Kohima bronze.