Kohima: Nagaland’s celebrated Paralympian Hokato Hotozhe Sema has achieved another major milestone by securing the World No. 1 ranking in the men’s Shot Put F57 category, according to the latest World Para Athletics Rankings.

Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema of the 9 Assam Rifles earned the top spot following a series of impressive performances on the international stage, further cementing his status as one of India’s leading para athletes.

The achievement comes shortly after Sema became the first Paralympian to be conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. He is also an Arjuna Award recipient and won the bronze medal in the men’s Shot Put F57 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

India continued its dominance in the event with Rana Soman and Juyal Shubham securing the second and third positions, respectively, in the latest World Para Athletics Rankings, highlighting the country’s growing strength in para athletics.