Hokato Hotozhe Sema Becomes World No. 1 in Shot Put F57 (2026)

Hokato Hotozhe Sema Becomes World No. 1 in Shot Put F57 (2026)

¨     Hokato Hotozhe Sema is an Indian para-athlete from Nagaland and serves as a Subedar in the 9 Assam Regiment of the Indian Army.

¨     He achieved World No. 1 ranking in the men’s Shot Put F57 category on 2 July 2026.

¨     He won the bronze medal in the men’s Shot Put F57 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a personal best throw of 14.65 metres.

¨     The event took place at the Stade de France on 6 September 2024.

¨     In the same event, Yasin Khosravi of Iran won the gold medal with 15.96 metres, while Thiago Paulino dos Santos of Brazil secured silver with 15.06 metres.

¨     The F57 classification in para-athletics is for athletes with lower-limb impairments who compete in seated throwing events.

¨     This classification ensures fair competition in field events such as shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw by grouping athletes based on the type and severity of impairment.

¨     Sema is the first Paralympian to receive the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).

¨     He is also a recipient of the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting honours.