Hokato Sema becomes first Naga—and by all available records, the first Indian—Paralympian to receive the AVSM
DIMAPUR — He has conquered the battlefield, the Paralympic podium and now the military honours list. Less than two years after scripting Paralympic history and months after receiving the Arjuna Award, the decorated soldier, Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema of the 9 Assam Regiment, has added another first to his remarkable journey—becoming the first Naga Paralympian to receive the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and, by all available records, the first Indian Paralympian to earn the prestigious military honour.
On June 29, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious AVSM upon the Nagaland native during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award is also considered a rare recognition for a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), highlighting Sema's exceptional contributions to both the Indian Army and Indian sport.
The latest honour adds another remarkable chapter to the extraordinary journey of the decorated soldier, who has repeatedly turned adversity into achievement.
Sema joined the Assam Regiment in 2000, but just two years later his military career was nearly cut short when he lost a leg in a landmine explosion during a counter-infiltration operation along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Refusing to let the life-altering injury define him, he rebuilt his life through para-athletics after beginning shot put training at the Army Paralympic Node in Pune under coach Rakesh Rawat.
His perseverance culminated in a historic bronze medal in the men's Shot Put F57 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where he registered a personal best throw of 14.65 metres, becoming the first Paralympic medallist from Northeast India. Earlier, he had won bronze at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou and has consistently emerged as one of India's leading para-athletes.
His exploits earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2024, making him one of Nagaland's most celebrated sportspersons. More recently, he added another international bronze medal to his growing collection, further cementing his status among India's top para-athletes.
The conferment of the AVSM recognises not only Sema's distinguished military service but also his outstanding achievements in para-sports and the inspiration he has provided to soldiers, athletes and persons with disabilities across the country.
From surviving a devastating battlefield injury to standing on the Paralympic podium and now receiving one of India's highest peacetime military honours, Sema's journey has become a powerful symbol of courage, resilience and unwavering determination.
With the latest recognition, the son of Nagaland continues to script history, bringing pride to both the Indian Army and the sporting fraternity while inspiring a generation to overcome adversity with grit and perseverance.
Rio congratulates
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Sema on the historic recognition. In a post on X, Rio described the honour as a fitting tribute to the decorated soldier's “exceptional service, dedication and commitment to duty.”
He wished Sema continued success and many more milestones in his distinguished journey.