Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema of the Indian Army’s Paralympic Node delivered a podium finish, securing the bronze medal in the Men’s Seated Shot Put (F56/F57) category at the 5th Asian Para Games on Saturday. The competition took place at the Olympic Athletics Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 20, 2026, marking a significant milestone for Indian para-athletics on the continental stage.
The Asian Para Games, held quadrennially, serve as the premier multi-sport event for para-athletes across Asia, and this edition has featured a record-breaking contingent from over 40 nations. Sema’s medal adds to India’s growing medal tally in track and field events, a discipline where the nation has historically punched above its weight at global Paralympic platforms. The F56/F57 classification encompasses athletes with varying degrees of leg impairment, and seated shot put demands a precise blend of upper-body strength and technique—a domain where Sema has been refining his craft under the Army’s structured sports development program.
“This podium finish is a testament to relentless dedication and the support structure within the Indian Armed Forces,” said a spokesperson for the Indian Army’s Directorate of Sports, in a statement carried by Nagaland Post. “Subedar Sema’s achievement inspires countless young athletes from the Northeast and beyond, proving that discipline and determination transcend boundaries.” Representatives from the Paralympic Committee of India also lauded the performance, noting that such results bolster the nation’s preparations for the upcoming Paris 2028 Paralympic Games.
Sema’s bronze is expected to trigger heightened interest in para-athletics across the Northeast region, where sports infrastructure is gradually expanding. The Indian contingent is likely to build on this momentum in the remaining events of the Games, with an eye on closing the campaign in the top ten of the medal table. Looking ahead, performance analysts suggest that this result could fast-track Sema’s qualification criteria for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, potentially positioning him as a medal contender in the shot put category.