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DIMAPUR — The government of Nagaland has announced INR 1.5 crore cash reward for Hokato Hotozhe Sema, who created history for the state by winning Bronze at the ongoing Paralympic Games Paris 2024 for India, on Saturday.
Sema, who represented India at the ongoing Paris Paralympics, threw an impressive 14.65 metres in the men’s shot put F57 final to clinch the bronze. It was the 40-year-old's personal best.
Yasin Khosravi of Iran won Gold with a throw of 15.96m and Thiago Paulino dos Santos took Silver with a throw of 15.06m.
Following the feat, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated the athlete and announced the cash reward.
We're proud & joyous for Mr. Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning Bronze🥉at the #ParalympicsGames in Shot Put event. He's made India proud & Nagaland shine. Being the 1st Olympic Medalist from Nagaland, I'm happy to announce that the Nagaland Govt will extend a cash reward of ₹1.5Cr
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 7, 2024
“The State government will recommend his name to GoI to bestow him with Arjuna Awards. It'll also take up with the Indian Army and Min. of Defence for his promotion as an extraordinary case not only for his Olympic and Asian Games achievements but also for his galant service to the Nation,” he added.
“Other measures in the promotion of sports, in his name, will also be taken up by the State Government. Congratulations once again, Mr. Hokato Hotozhe Sema. You have made every Naga proud. May you continue to bring laurels to our people,” he continues.
Congratulatory messages have poured in for Sema from various quarters, including President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Heartiest congratulations to Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning bronze medal in men's shot put event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. A survivor of landmine blast, Hokato has won a medal in his debut Paralympics. I wish him greater accomplishments in the future.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn)
A proud moment for our nation as Hokato Hotozhe Sema brings home the Bronze medal in Men’s Shotput F57! His incredible strength and determination are exceptional. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead. #Cheer4Bharat pic.twitter.com/dBZONv44kM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 7, 2024
Deputy Chief Ministers of Nagaland, TR Zeliang and Y Patton also congratulated the Paralympic medal winner.
It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Rio had extended best wishes to the athlete before he left for Paris to compete in the Paralympics.
Sema had earlier brought laurels to the state and the country by clinching a bronze medal in shot-put F-56/57 category at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games held in October last year.
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