CM Nayab Saini hails Hokato Sema's bronze at Asian Para Games 2026
Synopsis
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini publicly congratulated para athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema for winning bronze in men's shot put F56/F57 at the Asian Para Games 2026, praising his dedication and urging him to keep raising the tricolour's honour.
Key Takeaways
Hokato Hotozhe Sema won a bronze medal in men's shot put F56/F57 at the Asian Para Games 2026 .
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini extended public congratulations via X on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 .
The F56/F57 classification covers para athletes competing from a seated throwing frame with trunk or leg impairments.
CM Saini praised Sema's 'hard work, dedication, and devotion to the sport' and expressed hope for future performances.
The post was tagged #AsianParaGames2026 and #Cheer4Bharat , aligning with national para-sport recognition campaigns.
A shot put throw from a wheelchair athlete just put Haryana — and India — on the Asian Para Games 2026 podium. Hokato Hotozhe Sema claimed a bronze medal in the men's shot put F56/F57 category at the Asian Para Games 2026, drawing a warm public tribute from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday.
Posting on X in Hindi, CM Saini wrote: 'Hokato Hotozhe Sema ne purushon ki shot put F56/F57 spardha mein kaansya padak jeetkar desh ka maan badhaya hai' — 'Hokato Hotozhe Sema has won a bronze medal in the men's shot put F56/F57 event and raised the nation's honour.' The Chief Minister praised Sema's 'hard work, dedication, and devotion to the sport,' expressing hope that the athlete would continue hoisting the tricolour's pride with the same spirit.
Sema's medal and what the F56/F57 classification means
The F56 and F57 classifications are for field athletes who compete from a seated throwing frame — typically para athletes with impairments affecting leg and trunk function. Competing in this category demands exceptional upper-body power, technique, and core control. A bronze finish on the continental stage is a significant competitive achievement and places the athlete among Asia's top performers in the discipline.
Para sport recognition from the top of Haryana's government
Indian political leaders have increasingly used social media as a first-response platform for athlete tributes, part of a broader national messaging effort around sporting achievements and inclusivity. CM Saini's post, tagged #AsianParaGames2026 and #Cheer4Bharat, follows that pattern — amplifying a para athlete's success at the state's highest political level. Whether the state sports department follows with formal recognition or financial reward is the question para-sport advocates will now be watching.
Point of View
A state that has invested heavily in conventional sports infrastructure and produced Olympic medallists, extending that recognition to para athletes publicly is a signal worth noting. The real test, as advocates consistently argue, is whether such tributes translate into training grants, coaching access, or classification support for para athletes.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hokato Hotozhe Sema?
Hokato Hotozhe Sema is an Indian para athlete who won a bronze medal in the men's shot put F56/F57 category at the Asian Para Games 2026.
What is the F56/F57 classification in para athletics?
F56 and F57 are para athletics classifications for field athletes who compete from a seated throwing frame, typically those with impairments affecting leg and trunk function.
What did CM Nayab Singh Saini say about Hokato Sema?
CM Saini praised Sema for 'hard work, dedication, and devotion to the sport' and expressed hope that the athlete would continue to honour the tricolour at future events.
When are the Asian Para Games 2026 being held?
The Asian Para Games 2026 are underway in October 2026, with India competing across multiple para-sport disciplines.
Why did the Haryana Chief Minister congratulate a para athlete?
Nayab Singh Saini, as Haryana CM, routinely acknowledges significant sports achievements by Indian athletes on social media as part of state-level recognition of sporting excellence and inclusivity.
