Nagaland CM Congratulates Para-Athlete Hokato Sema On Being Felicitated With Prestigious Arjuna Award

January 17, 2025: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Indian Paralympic medallist Hokato Sema on receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award for his outstanding performance in sports and games in 2024. Hokato was awarded the honor at the National Sports Awards ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the award.

On social media, Neiphiu Rio expressed his admiration for Hokato’s dedication and achievements, which have inspired many aspiring athletes. He wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. H. Hokato Sema on receiving the prestigious #ArjunaAwards for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games 2024, in Para-Athletics discipline. His dedication and achievements have inspired countless aspiring athletes.”

Hokato Sema, a para-athlete in the shot put event, earned a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics in the men’s shot put F57 final. His throw of 14.65 meters, which became his personal best, secured the bronze, while the gold and silver went to athletes from Iran and Brazil, respectively. This medal was a key contribution to India’s historic performance at the Paris Paralympics, where the country concluded its campaign with 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes—the most in India’s Paralympic history.

Other awardees at the National Sports Awards 2024 included double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar, who were all honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.