Paris Paralympics 2024: Hokato Sema Claims Shot Put Bronze, Secures India’s 15th Athletics Medal

Hokato Hotozhe Sema won bronze in the men’s shot put F57 at Paralympics 2024, setting a personal best and breaking the Paralympic record, as India secured its 15th athletics medal.

New Delhi: Hokato Hotozhe Sema clinched the bronze medal in the men’s shot put F57 at Paralympics 2024. On Friday, he competed to finish third with 14.65 metres being his best attempt-a new personal best. Gold medalist Yasin Khosravi of Iran managed a top throw of 15.96 metres at Stade de France.

Apart from winning the bronze, Hokato Hotozhe Sema also broke the previous Paralympic record of 13.49 meters by Olokhan Musayev of Azerbaijan. He was the first athlete from Nagaland to win a Paralympic medal for India. Thiago Paulino dos Santos of Brazil won the silver with 15.06 meters.

Despite Thiago Paulino dos Santos achieving his personal best of 15.06 meters, it wasn’t enough to secure the gold medal. India’s Soman Rana also competed in the event but finished fifth with his best attempt reaching 14.07 meters. His series of throws included distances of 13.32, 14.07, 13.83, 13.79, 13.80, and 13.86 meters.

With Hokato Hotozhe Sema’s triumph, India extended their athletics medal tally to 15 at the Paralympics 2024. The nation currently ranks 17th in the overall medal tally, with 27 medals in total, including six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze.