Hokato Hotozhe Sema, Asian Para Games medallist. (Photo Courtesy: File Photo/Social Media)
Extra recruitment marks to sportspersons in Nagaland Police
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 13
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced a Rs 25 lakh award for Asian Para Games medallist Hokato Hotozhe Sema, while Director General of Police Rupin Sharma disclosed a proposal to grant extra recruitment marks to sportspersons in the Nagaland Police, during the Special Award Ceremony of the Nagaland State and Para Games 2026 held at the Nagaland Police Complex, in Chümoukedima on November 13.
Held at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium by the Nagaland Olympic Association under the theme “Stronger Together,” the evening honoured medallists in the Para Games and Boxing categories. The SKOCH Silver Awards and Golden Beaver Award conferred to the state government earlier this year were also handed over to the Chief Minister. The Department of Youth Resources and Sports won the award for its Grassroots Football Festival (Baby League). Launched in June 2024, the initiative drew a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat address in June.
The Golden Beaver Award was conferred at the 12th India Film Festival of Alberta in Canada in October. Nagaland is only the second recipient of the Canadian award in 12 years after actor Kamal Haasan.
Addressing the gathering, Rio revealed he had planned to travel to Canada with the 14 artists. “My political clearance was denied and I could not go, so I was feeling very bad for them,” he said, adding that the group “went and did excellently well.”
Recalling Nagaland’s history in sport, Rio cited footballer Dr T Ao, who captained India at the 1948 London Olympics, noting that decades of unrest had stalled progress. The state waited 41 years after statehood to join the Indian Olympic Association in 2004, forcing local athletes to represent other states. With around 2,700 athletes from all 16 districts and 1,200 officials participating in the November 2 to 14 Games, Rio praised Sema, who lost a limb while serving in the army, for winning a medal in Japan, adding Rs 25 lakh to the Rs 1.5 crore given earlier for his Paris Paralympic bronze. “Victory brings humility. You don’t become proud, you sober down,” Rio told the athletes.
Earlier, Sharma noted that the November 7 Para Games under the “Beyond Barriers” banner saw 43 blind and deaf athletes from seven districts compete across nine events with sign language interpretation. Taking responsibility for any gaps at the Police Complex venues while crediting the NOA for what worked well, Sharma reminded Rio that funds proposed 18 months ago for revamping training facilities at the police complex remain unfulfilled.
“Unfortunately, all dreams don’t come true, but this is a dream that we should all cherish,” Sharma said. Pushing for the police recruitment marks proposal, he reminded athletes they were part of something “far larger than a medal tally.”
