Hokato Sema Makes India Proud in Japan
Hokato Sema Wins Bronze at Asian Para Games 2026 in Japan
Indian para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema won bronze in the men’s seated shot put F56/F57 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 20. Representing India, the Indian Army Subedar recorded a best throw of 14.65 metres to secure a place on the podium in a competitive field.
Iran’s Yasin Khosravi claimed the gold medal with a Games-record throw of 15.25 metres, while Saudi Arabia’s Haidr Salamh took silver with 14.97 metres. India’s Soman Rana finished fourth with a best effort of 13.80 metres. The result highlighted the high standard of competition in the men’s F56/F57 shot put event at the Asian Para Games in Japan.
Asian Para Games 2026: Hokato Sema Improves on Previous Finish
Hokato Sema’s bronze medal in Japan marks another important achievement in his international career. At the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, he finished fourth in the shot put. His latest podium finish represents a step forward at the continental level and adds to his growing list of accomplishments in para-athletics.
Sema has also won bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, establishing himself as one of India’s prominent para-athletes in the throwing events. His performances on major international stages reflect years of training, preparation and determination to compete against the best athletes in his category.
Hokato Sema’s Journey from Army Service to International Success
Sema’s journey is particularly inspiring because of the challenges he overcame to reach the international stage. While serving in the Indian Army in 2002, he lost his left leg below the knee in a landmine blast. Following rehabilitation, he pursued para-athletics and gradually built a career competing at the highest level.
His achievements demonstrate how determination and sustained effort can help athletes overcome significant personal challenges. The bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Japan adds another milestone to his sporting journey and brings further recognition to India’s para-athletics programme.
Asian Para Games 2026: PM Modi Congratulates Hokato Sema
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Hokato Sema on winning bronze at the Asian Para Games 2026. He praised the athlete’s dedication and improvement, highlighting the significance of his performance for Indian sport.
In his congratulatory message, Modi said, “May he keep making India proud.”
The recognition adds to the significance of Sema’s achievement in Japan, where Indian athletes are competing across several para-sports disciplines. His success also draws attention to the role of the Indian Army’s Paralympic Node in supporting and developing athletes who represent the country at major international competitions.
Sema’s bronze medal is not just another addition to India’s medal tally. It is also a reminder of the growing strength of Indian para-athletics and the determination of athletes who continue to raise the country’s profile on the international sporting stage.
As the Asian Para Games 2026 continue in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Sema’s performance stands out as one of India’s notable achievements in the field events. His 14.65-metre throw secured bronze in a closely contested competition and further strengthened his reputation as an accomplished Indian para-athlete.
