Meet Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema: Indian Army JCO Who Lost a Leg in a Landmine Blast and Became Nagaland’s First Paralympic Medallist

In the annals of Indian military history and para-sports, few stories exemplify resilience, discipline, and unwavering determination as powerfully as that of Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army’s Assam Regiment, he lost his left leg below the knee in a landmine blast during operations in Jammu and Kashmir in 2002. Two decades later, at the age of 40, he stood on the Paralympic podium in Paris, securing a bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 event and etching his name as Nagaland’s first-ever Paralympic medallist.

His journey from a young Havildar with dreams of joining the Special Forces to a decorated para-athlete and recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Arjuna Award is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the supportive ecosystem of the Indian Armed Forces.

Early Life and Enlistment into the Indian Army

Hokato Hotozhe Sema was born on 24 December 1983 in P. Vihoto Village in the Aghunaqa area of Niuland district, Nagaland. Raised in a farming family, he grew up listening to tales of military valour from his elders. These stories profoundly influenced his decision to serve the nation.

In 2000, at approximately 17 years of age, he enlisted in the Indian Army as a Havildar in the 9 Assam Regiment. He was soon deployed to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, where he served with distinction in counter-infiltration duties. His early military career reflected the typical dedication expected of a soldier from the Northeast — disciplined, courageous, and committed to the regiment’s ethos.

The Fateful Day: October 2002 Landmine Blast

In October 2002, during a counter-infiltration operation at Chowkibal in Jammu and Kashmir, tragedy struck. A landmine explosion severely injured Subedar Sema, resulting in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. He was barely 19 years old.

The injury shattered his immediate dreams of serving in the Special Forces. For many around him, the path ahead appeared bleak. Yet, what could have been the end of a promising military career became the beginning of an extraordinary chapter of resilience. He was evacuated and underwent extensive rehabilitation at the Army’s facilities in Pune, including the Artificial Limb Centre and the Army Paralympic Node at the BEG Centre.

Rather than succumbing to despair, Sema focused on recovery and adapting to his new reality while continuing his service. The Indian Army’s robust rehabilitation framework enabled him to remain in uniform and progress through the ranks to Naib Subedar and eventually Subedar.

The Turn to Para-Athletics: A New Battlefield

It was during his rehabilitation and interactions at the Army’s para-athletic facilities that Sema’s potential in sports was recognised. A pivotal moment came in 2016 when he met Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav Dutta. This encounter, combined with encouragement from senior Army officials at the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune, inspired him to take up shot put seriously.

He began training under coach Rakesh Rawat. Supported by the Army Paralympic Node, the Khelo India National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) scheme, and the sports NGO Olympic Gold Quest, Sema started his competitive journey at the relatively late age of 32. In 2016, he participated in the National Para Athletics Championships in Jaipur, marking the beginning of a remarkable ascent.

Competitive Journey and Road to Paris 2024

Subedar Sema’s progress in para-athletics was steady and impressive:

• He won a silver medal at the 2022 Morocco Grand Prix.
• He secured a bronze medal in the shot put F56/57 category at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
• He improved his standing at the World Championships, finishing 4th in 2024 after a 7th-place debut in 2023.

The pinnacle arrived at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. On 6 September 2024, competing in the men’s shot put F57 final, he delivered a personal-best throw of 14.65 metres on his fourth attempt to claim the bronze medal. This historic performance made him the first athlete from Nagaland to win a Paralympic medal and added to India’s record medal haul at those Games.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly congratulated him, noting his “incredible strength and determination.”

Dedication to His Wife: The Quiet Pillar of Strength

In emotional post-victory remarks, Subedar Sema dedicated his Paralympic bronze medal to his wife. He revealed the profound sacrifices she had made during his training years. When financial resources were limited, she often went without food so that he could eat properly and continue his rigorous training regimen. He described her as his “biggest pillar of support” who lifted him every time he felt like giving up. “This is for my wife,” he stated simply, underscoring the personal foundation behind his public success.

Military and National Honours

Subedar Sema’s exemplary service and sporting achievements have been recognised at the highest levels:

• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) — for distinguished service.
• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) — conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of Republic Day 2026. He became the first Indian Army para-athlete to receive both the VSM and AVSM.
• Arjuna Award 2024 — conferred in January 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu for outstanding performance in sports (Para Athletics). He was the only recipient from the North East that year.

These honours are particularly significant as the AVSM is rarely conferred upon personnel from the rank and file, highlighting the exceptional nature of his contributions both in uniform and on the field of play.

Homecoming and State Recognition in Nagaland

Following his Paralympic triumph, Subedar Sema received a hero’s welcome in Nagaland. On 19 September 2024, thousands gathered at Dimapur airport to receive him, organised by the Western Sumi Hoho and various civil society organisations. The Nagaland Government, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, announced a cash reward of ₹1.5 crore in recognition of his historic achievement and recommended him for the Arjuna Award (which he subsequently received).

He was also felicitated by the Army’s Spear Corps at Rangapahar Military Station, where Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding, lauded his achievements as an inspiration to the nation. Assam Rifles similarly honoured him under the leadership of Maj Gen Manish Kumar.

Legacy and Inspiration

At 42 years of age, Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema continues to serve as a Subedar in the Assam Regiment while remaining active in para-athletics. His story has profoundly impacted multiple communities:

• For differently-abled individuals, especially in the Northeast, he has demonstrated that physical challenges need not define one’s limits.
• For defence aspirants and serving personnel, he exemplifies how the Indian Army supports its soldiers through rehabilitation and provides pathways for continued contribution and excellence.
• For para-sports in India, particularly within the Armed Forces, his success has boosted visibility, participation, and institutional support.

His journey underscores the values central to the Indian Armed Forces — Naam, Namak, Nishan (Name, Salt, Flag) — and the transformative power of resilience when backed by institutional support, family strength, and personal grit.

Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema did not merely overcome adversity; he transformed it into national pride. From the blood-soaked fields of Chowkibal to the podium in Paris, his life stands as a powerful reminder that true courage lies not in the absence of setbacks, but in the refusal to be defined by them.

As India continues to celebrate its para-athletes and honour its veterans, Subedar Sema’s name will endure as a beacon of inspiration for generations of soldiers and athletes alike — a JCO who turned a battlefield injury into a medal of honour for the entire nation.