Indian para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema from Nagaland is preparing for one of the biggest moments of his career as he sets his sights on the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled from September 26 to October 5. Competing in front of a home crowd, Hokato is determined to go beyond his personal best throw of 14.88 metres in the shot put and create history for himself and for the nation. Hokato’s journey to this stage has been marked by grit, determination, and steady progress. The 28-year-old para-athlete first made headlines with his consistent performances in the national circuit before stepping onto the global stage. His throw of 13.72 metres at the 2023 National Para Athletics Championships showed promise, but it was his performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where he threw 14.65 metres to win bronze, that firmly established him among the country’s top athletes.
Adding to his achievements, Hokato claimed a silver medal at the 2024 Asian Para Games and later set his personal best of 14.88 metres at the Indian Open in Bengaluru, strengthening his reputation as one of India’s brightest hopes in para-athletics. Hokato’s rise has not been without challenges. After losing his leg, he admits he once struggled with self-image and confidence. Speaking about his transformation, he said, “After losing my leg, I used to hide my stump because I was ashamed. Now I wear shorts everywhere. If people stare, I let them. Today, I have put all that energy into my training.”
For him, sport became not just a way to compete but a way to rebuild confidence and inspire others. He now spends long hours on strength conditioning, technical drills, and refining his rhythm, all with the goal of breaking the 15-metre barrier. “I know breaking records is not just about power—it’s about precision, patience, and pushing myself beyond limits. Every morning when I step into training, my only goal is to cross that 15-metre mark. I want to achieve this not just for myself, but for my coaches and for the country,” Hokato said.
