Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has announced a reward of Rs 1.5 Crore for Hokato Hotozhe Sema, who secured a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Sema's outstanding performance in the men's shot put F57 final, where he achieved a personal best throw of 14.65 meters, earned him this accolade.

The gold medal in this event was claimed by Iran's Yashin Khosravi with a throw of 15.96 meters, while Brazil's Thiago Paulino dos Santos took silver with a throw of 15.06 meters.

Expressing his pride, Chief Minister Rio posted on X, "We are proud and joyous for Mr. Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning bronze at the #ParalympicsGames in the Shot Put event. He has made India proud and brought glory to Nagaland. As the first Olympic medalist from Nagaland, I am pleased to announce that the Nagaland Government will extend a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 Crore."

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

Chief Minister Rio further informed that the state government will urge the Central government to confer Arjuna Award to Sema.

"The State Govt. will recommend his name to GoI to bestow him with Arjuna Awards. It'll also take up with the Indian Army & Min. of Defence for his promotion as an extraordinary case not only for his Olympic & Asian Games achievements but also for his galant service to the Nation," Rio wrote on X.

The State Govt. will recommend his name to GoI to bestow him with Arjuna Awards. It'll also take up with the Indian Army & Min. of Defence for his promotion as an extraordinary case not only for his Olympic & Asian Games achievements but also for his galant service to the Nation.

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 7, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Sema, praising his incredible strength and determination.

"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 endeavors ahead," PM Modi wrote on X.

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

In other news, Indian para-athlete Bhavanaben Chaudhary finished fifth in the women's F46 javelin throw final at the Paris Paralympics. Despite her best efforts, Bhavanaben's top throw was 39.70 meters.

India's medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has now reached 27, including six gold, nine silver, and twelve bronze medals. This marks India's highest gold medal count at a Paralympics, surpassing the five golds won at Tokyo 2020.

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