India’s Hokato Sema, who survived a landmine blast, won shot put bronze medal at Paris Paralympics

Hokato Sema produced his best performance in his fourth throw, also surpassing his personal best of 14.49m to win the bronze medal. Photo: X/@KirenRijiju

Landmine blast survivor Indian shot-putter Hokato Sema on Friday (September 6, 2024) produced his career-best throw of 14.65m in the final of the men’s F57 category at the Paralympic Games here.

The 40-year-old Dimapur-born para-athlete, who also won a bronze medal at the Hangzhou Para Games last year, started with an average throw of 13.88 metres and then went on to win the gold medal.

The only athlete from Nagaland participating in the Paris Paralympics touched the 14m mark in his second throw and then improved it further by covering a distance of 14.40m.

However, Sema came up with her best in her fourth throw and also surpassed her personal best of 14.49m to win the bronze medal.

The other Indian in the competition, Hangzhou Para Games silver medallist Rana Soman, finished fifth with a best throw of 14.07 metres.

The F57 category is for field athletes who have mild to moderate limb loss in one leg, moderate or no limbs in both legs. These athletes have to compensate for significant imbalances in strength in their legs but have full upper body strength.