Bronze Triumph: Hokato Sema's Inspirational Journey at the Paralympics

Hokato Sema, a survivor of a landmine blast, secured a bronze medal with a career-best throw of 14.65 meters in the men's F57 category at the Paralympic Games. Sema, a 40-year-old Army man from Dimapur, achieved this feat despite starting with a modest throw. His journey from injury to champion remains inspirational.

Landmine blast survivor and Indian shot-putter Hokato Sema achieved his career-best throw of 14.65 meters, securing a bronze medal in the men's F57 category final at the Paralympic Games on Friday.

The 40-year-old Dimapur-born Army man, previously a bronze medallist at the Hangzhou Para Games, showed remarkable resilience. Though he began with a modest throw of 13.88 meters, he improved significantly, hitting the 14-meter mark on his second attempt and achieving his best throw of 14.65 meters on his fourth.

Sema's journey is noteworthy, not only because of his athletic achievements but also his inspiring recovery from a landmine blast during an anti-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir in 2002. Encouraged by a senior army official to pursue shot put, Sema started competing in 2016 and has distinguished himself ever since.

(With inputs from agencies.)