The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) said on Friday it proudly welcomes home Hokato Hotozhe Sema, Nagaland’s first Paralympian and bronze medal winner in the shot-putt event at the recently concluded Paris Paralympic Games, 2024. The NDPP also congratulated him on his historic achievement at winning the medal in the highest sporting event for athletes with disabilities.
“While qualifying for such an event is an achievement in itself, to win a medal only proves the dedication, determination, grit and hard work he has put in, overcoming all odds despite his disability,” it said.
The NDPP said that Hokato has not only brought glory and laurel, but has also made a name for himself internationally and has also made Nagaland and India proud with his achievement.
“A soldier first, he has sacrificed for the nation, and today, despite the permanent injury received in the line of duty, he has proven his courage and strength by not giving up but using it to his advantage to perform and excel in the field of sports,” the NDPP said of Hokato.
“The NDPP is confident that Hokato will go on to bring more glory and continue to make us proud as a true a son of the soil. The NDPP wishes him the very best in all his future endeavors and pray that almighty God will continue to bless him!”
Further, the NDPP also appreciated the decision of the Government of Nagaland to acknowledge Hokato’s historic achievement with a cash reward of Rs 1.5 crores and the Chief Ministers commitment to ensure that his achievement is duly recognized and rewardedby the Government of India and the Ministry of Defense.
The NDPP said it believes that this great achievement of Hokato Hotozhe Sema will only further encourage and inspire the present and future generations to excel and perform in both National as well as International platforms.
“This is indeed another historic moment that will go down the annals of history,” the NDPP said.