Nagaland's Hokato Hotozhe Sema becomes World No. 1 in Shot Put F57, targeting Para Asian Games glory after Paralympic success.
KOHIMA — Nagaland's Paralympian Hokato Hotozhe Sema has climbed to World No. 1 in the men's Shot Put F57 category, adding another milestone to his illustrious career and inspiring aspiring athletes and youths.
According to the latest World Para Athletics Rankings, Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema of the 9 Assam Rifles secured the top spot in the men's Shot Put F57 category in the 2026 ranking period.
Sema recently became the first Paralympian to be conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). An Arjuna Award recipient, he won the bronze medal in the men's Shot Put F57 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Fellow Indian athletes Soman Rana and Shubham Juyal were ranked second and third, respectively, highlighting India's dominance in the event.
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Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Sema expressed his delight over the achievement and said, “It is every athlete's dream to win a medal at the Olympics and become World No. 1. I am very happy to become World No. 1 and will now be preparing for the Para Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, in October.”
However, he noted that world rankings are dynamic and change according to an athlete's performances throughout the year. "The rankings are not permanent. They change every year based on performance. Consistency is the key to maintaining a top ranking," he explained.
Reflecting on what the achievement means to him, Sema said that he has progressed steadily through years of hard work. "I keep improving step by step. It requires immense hard work, and it is a great honour to represent Nagaland and India on the world stage," he said.
Sema also expressed delight at becoming the first Paralympian to receive the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), conferred by President Droupadi Murmu during the Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase II) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The AVSM is among India's highest peacetime military honours, awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
Looking ahead, Sema said that his next target is to improve on his personal-best international throw of 15.21 metres at the upcoming Para Asian Games. "My best throw at the international level is 15.21 metres. My target is to surpass that mark during the Para Asian Games in Japan in the second week of October," he said.
He shared that athletes from over 40 countries will compete at the Games, making it essential for him to deliver an even better performance.
Acknowledging that he is approaching retirement, Sema expressed hope that younger athletes will surpass his achievements. "I am nearing the age of retirement, yet I continue to train and compete. If young athletes adopt the right approach, they can achieve two or three times more than I have and bring greater glory to Nagaland and the country," he said.
Now based in Pune, Sema acknowledged the support of the government of nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is also President of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), and Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha.
He said that the NOA had provided tremendous support throughout his journey and expressed hope that the people of Nagaland would continue to support and encourage him as he prepares for the upcoming Para Asian Games.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Sema on the landmark achievement, saying it had brought immense pride to Nagaland and the nation.
"Heartiest congratulations to Subedar H Hokato Sema, AVSM, on becoming World No. 1 in Men's Shot Put F57 in the latest World Para Athletics Rankings. This outstanding achievement makes Nagaland and the nation proud. I wish him continued success in the years ahead," Rio posted on X.