Hokato Hotozhe Sema, the first-ever Asian Games medallist from Nagaland. (File Photo/Facebook)
Dimapur, October 26 (MExN): Hokato Hotozhe Sema scripted history on October 25 by reportedly becoming the first-ever Asian Games medalist from Nagaland. He won the Bronze in the Shotput F-56/57 category in the ongoing 4th Asian Para Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China.
According to the Sports Authority of India, he achieved this feat with his personal best throw of 13.94 metre. The Silver in the Shotput F-56/57 category also went to Hokato’s teammate, Soman Rana, who produced a games record throw of 14.42 meters. Iran’s Yasin Khosravi won Gold in the category with a throw of 16.00 meters.
Hokato, a Havildar with 9 Assam Regiment, reportedly lost his leg to a landmine in 2002 during an operation at the LOC. Currently, he is ranked 7th in the world.
Meanwhile, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Associate Vice President of Athletics Federation of India, informed that Hokato’s achievement was the “first-ever medal for a Naga at the Asian Games.”
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, after the win and congratulating Hokato on October 25, he wrote: “This is a proud and historic moment for the country and NAGALAND!! First-ever medal for a Naga at the Asian Games! An exemplary example of perseverance, courage, and determination. May you continue to win many more laurels. This will inspire so many back home....”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded Hokato on X and stated that “India is proud of his incredible spirit and strength.” “May his journey ahead be adorned with more glorious victories,” he added.
“A proud moment for India and historic for Nagaland. Thank you for making us proud. I hope you bring more laurels for the country,” Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also noted on X.
The Nagaland athletics community also joined the celebration on Thursday and said that the “full credit” to Hokato’s historic achievement goes to his “hard work and strength of character.” “May you continue to win more medals and bring pride & joy to our people,” Nagaland Athletics posted on X.
Earlier, an official release from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) informed that a total of 303 sportspersons across 17 sporting disciplines are participating in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games. The ministry also cleared a total of 143 coaches, escorts, officials, and support staff to be part of the Indian contingent.
The athletes’ list comprises of 191 male and 112 female athletes, with the largest contingent of 123 athletes being cleared for Athletics events.
According to the official website of Hangzhou Asian Para Game, as of October 26, India had won 18 Gold, 23 Silver, and 41 Bronze for a total of 82 medals so far. This is above the 72 medals, including 15 Golds, achieved during the last edition of the Asian Para Games in 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia with still two days to go.
On October 26, India was ranked 8th in the Medal Tally, with China at the top with 393 medals (157 Gold, 128 Silver, and 108 Bronze.
Iran was second with 96 medals (32 Gold, 36 Silver, 28 Bronze), followed by Japan with more total medals at 104 but lower Gold (30). Japan has 33 Silver and 41 Bronze. The Asian Para Games, which started on October 22, will conclude on October 28.
