Nagaland Govt announces Rs 1.5 cr reward for Hokato Hotozhe Sema, to recommend his name for Arjuna Awards

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The Nagaland government on Saturday announced Rs 1.5 crore cash reward for Hokato Hotozhe Sema, who created history by becoming the first from the state to win a bronze medal at the ongoing Paralympic Games Paris 2024 for India.

Hokato Hotozhe Sema won the bronze in the men’s shot put F57 final with an impressive throw of 14.65 metres, marking his personal best.

Iran’s Yasin Khosravi, the 31-year-old two-time para world champion and Hangzhou Para Games gold medallist, clinched the top spot again with a Paralympic record of 15.96m. Brazil’s Thiago Dos Santos took the silver with his best throw of 15.06m.

Following the victory, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated the athlete and announced the cash reward.

Taking to X, CM Rio said, “We’re proud & joyous for Mr. Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning Bronze at the #ParalympicsGames in Shot Put event. He’s made India proud & Nagaland shine. Being the 1st Olympic Medalist from Nagaland, I’m happy to announce that the Nagaland Govt will extend a cash reward of ₹1.5Cr.”

He also said that the State Government will recommend his name to the Government of India to bestow him with Arjuna Awards.

He further added that it will also take up with the Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence for his promotion as an extraordinary case not only for his Olympic and Asian Games achievements but also for his gallantry service to the Nation.

“Other measures in the promotion of sports, in his name, will also be taken up by the State Government. Congratulations once again, Mr. Hokato Hotozhe Sema. You have made every Naga proud. May you continue to bring laurels to our people,” Rio said.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have congratulated shot-putter Sema on winning a bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

In a social media post, President Murmu highlighted the Paralympian’s achievement and said that Sema, a survivor of a landmine blast, has won a medal in his debut Paralympics. She wished him greater accomplishments in the future. Prime Minister Modi said that it is a proud moment for the nation.
Taking to his X account, the Prime Minister expressed his pride in the Paralympian’s achievement, calling it a “proud moment” for the nation.

“A proud moment for our nation as Hokato Hotozhe Sema brings home the Bronze medal in Men’s Shotput F57! His incredible strength and determination are exceptional. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead,” PM Modi wrote in the post.

Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated and applauded the Paralympian’s milestone.

“Hokato Sema has hit a major milestone by winning the Bronze medal in the Men’s Shot Put F57 event at the Paralympics 2024. Your unwavering drive and spectacular performance have made the nation proud,” the Home Minister posted on his X account.

Sema previously won bronze at the 2023 Asian Para Games with a throw of 13.94m. He made his World Championships debut in 2023, finishing seventh and improved his performance to claim fourth place in the event this year. Notably, Sema is currently serving as a Havildar in the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army.

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