President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious National Sports Awards 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, with Nagaland’s para-athlete H Hokato Sema being among the distinguished honorees. Hokato Sema, a Paralympic bronze medallist, was awarded the Arjuna Award for his exceptional achievements in the sport of para-athletics.
Hokato, who secured a bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 category at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, was awarded for his outstanding performance in the field of para-athletics. He had earlier won the bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, took to social media to congratulate Sema, praising his dedication and inspiring achievements. “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. H. Hokato Sema on receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games 2024 in Para-Athletics discipline. His dedication and achievements have inspired countless aspiring athletes,” Rio said.
Sema’s achievement was also celebrated by the Sumi Discussion Forum (SDF), which commended his perseverance and passion for para-athletics. “His remarkable journey from a humble beginning to become a renowned para-athlete is a true inspiration to us all,” the SDF stated.
Rajya Sabha MP, S Phangnon Konyak, also hailed Sema’s accomplishment as a significant milestone, emphasizing the power of hard work and perseverance. Further, Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, and Vice President of the Indian Athletics Federation, Abu Metha, also extended their congratulations to Hokato.
The Arjuna Award is India’s second-highest sporting honor. The award comprises a bronze statue of Arjuna, certificate, ceremonial dress, and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh. Hokato Sema joins an elite group of athletes, with 32 awardees in total, including 17 para-athletes this year.