Nagaland’s Paralympian Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema has been ranked World No. 1 in the men’s Shot Put F57 category in the latest World Para Athletics Rankings, adding another major achievement to his distinguished sporting career.
Subedar Sema, who serves with the 9 Assam Regiment, secured the top position in the global rankings, making him the highest-ranked athlete in his event. His latest achievement has been widely welcomed in Nagaland, with leaders and sports enthusiasts congratulating him for bringing recognition to the state and the country.
Congratulating the athlete, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said Sema’s accomplishment was a matter of pride for both Nagaland and India.
“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 said in a post on X.
Sema has consistently emerged as one of India’s leading para-athletes. He recently became the first Paralympian to receive the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), one of the country’s highest peacetime military honours. He is also a recipient of the Arjuna Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sports.
The Nagaland athlete had earlier won the bronze medal in the men’s Shot Put F57 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024, further establishing himself among the world’s top para-athletes. His steady performances on the international stage have played a significant role in raising India’s profile in para athletics.
India recorded an impressive performance in the latest World Para Athletics Rankings, with Rana Soman and Juyal Shubham securing the second and third positions, respectively, in the men’s Shot Put F57 category. The clean sweep of the top three rankings reflects the country’s growing strength and depth in para athletics.
