The Nagaland State Disability Forum has congratulated Hokato Hotozhe Sema on winning the Bronze Medal in the Men’s F57 Shot Put event at the Paris Paralympics 2024 and expressed that his achievement has brought great pride to the State and inspired para-athletes across the nation.

Highlighting the immense potential of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in sports, the Forum stated that throughout Nagaland, there are many PwDs actively and enthusiastically participating in various para-sport events, and numerous individuals have excelled and won medals at zonal and national levels. It, however, also regretted the significant challenges being faced by the community.

“However, sadly, there are many significant challenges being faced by the disabled community in sports, including lack of specific programmes for para-sport, lack of accessible infrastructure and limited support for disabled sportspersons to pursue their dreams and goals,” the Nagaland State Disability Forum stated.

Therefore, the community appealed to the State Government and the society at large “to recognise and support our para athletes by creating a structured mechanism for identifying, nurturing, and rewarding PwDs excelling in sports.”

With proper infrastructure, funding assistance, and training facilities, we have no doubt that more individuals with disabilities will be able to shine on the international stage like our very own Hokato Hotozhe Sema, the Nagaland State Disability Forum added.