In a historic milestone for the Indian Armed Forces and Indian para-sports, Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema, AVSM, VSM, of the 9 Assam Regiment, was conferred the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by President Droupadi Murmu during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
With the honour, Subedar Sema became the first Paralympian in India’s history to receive the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, one of the nation’s highest peacetime military decorations for distinguished service. The award is also a rare recognition for a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), underscoring his extraordinary contribution to the Indian Army and Indian sports.
A native of Niuland district, Nagaland, Subedar Sema joined the Assam Regiment in 2000. Just two years into military service, he suffered life-changing injuries after losing a leg in a landmine blast during a counter-infiltration operation along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in 2002. Refusing to let adversity define his future, he turned to para-sports and began training in shot put under coach Rakesh Rawat at the Army Paralympic Node, Pune.
His perseverance and determination earned him international success. He won a bronze medal in the Men’s Shot Put F57 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, recording a personal best throw of 14.65 metres, and earlier secured a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.
For his outstanding sporting achievements, Subedar Sema was also honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2024. His inspiring journey from a severely injured soldier to a Paralympic medallist has become a symbol of courage, resilience and unwavering determination.
The conferment of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal recognises not only his distinguished military service but also his remarkable achievements in para-athletics, making him an inspiration to soldiers, athletes and the nation alike.
Subedar Hokato Hotozhe Sema’s historic achievement reinforces the Indian Army’s enduring ethos of courage, resilience and excellence, proving that determination and perseverance can overcome even the greatest adversity.
