Dimapur, November 14, 2026: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio announced an additional cash award of ₹25 lakh for para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema in recognition of his bronze medal achievement at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Japan.
The announcement was made during the special award ceremony of the Nagaland State and Para Games (NSPG) 2026, held at the Hokato Hotozhe Auditorium, Games Village, Nagaland Police Complex, Chümoukedima, on Friday. The ceremony was organised under the theme “Stronger Together.”
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Neiphiu Rio announced an additional ₹25 lakh award for Hokato Hotozhe Sema.
Sema received the recognition for his bronze medal achievement at the Asian Para Games 2026.
The State Government had previously awarded him ₹1.5 crore for his Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medal.
The special award ceremony was held on November 13 at Chümoukedima.
The event was organised under the theme “Stronger Together.”
The Department of Youth Resources and Sports received the SKOCH Silver Award for its Grassroots Football Festival (Baby League).
Rio, who is also the President of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA), attended the programme as the chief guest, while Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, IPS, was the honoured guest.
The Chief Minister said the additional ₹25 lakh award recognised Sema's international sporting achievement. The State Government had earlier awarded him ₹1.5 crore for winning bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Congratulating the organisers, participating athletes and medal winners, Rio said sports play an important role in bringing people together while promoting discipline, teamwork, fairness and resilience.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The recognition of Hokato Hotozhe Sema highlights Nagaland's support for para-athletes and international sporting achievements. The announcement, along with the government's focus on sports infrastructure and coaching facilities, reflects efforts to create more opportunities for athletes across the state.
Highlighting Nagaland's sporting journey, he recalled that the state became affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association in 2004, enabling athletes to participate in national-level competitions under the Nagaland banner.
Rio described para-athletes as an inspiration and encouraged sportspersons to pursue their ambitions and represent Nagaland, the Northeast and India at national and international competitions.
He also reiterated the State Government's commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, improving training facilities and providing qualified coaching opportunities across all districts.
In his address, DGP Rupin Sharma highlighted the participation of athletes from across Nagaland and the efforts made to ensure the smooth conduct of the Games. He said the Nagaland Police provided security, logistical assistance and other necessary support to athletes, officials and visitors.
Sharma also highlighted the Para Games conducted under the banner “Beyond Barriers.” The competitions included participation by athletes with visual and hearing impairments, with sign language interpretation introduced to support inclusive participation.
The DGP disclosed that the Nagaland Police had submitted a proposal to the State Government seeking additional marks for outstanding sportspersons during police recruitment. He said the proposal, if approved, could encourage young athletes to pursue sporting careers while also creating opportunities in the police force.
He further stressed the need to improve sports and training infrastructure at the Nagaland Police Complex and reaffirmed the police department's commitment to nurturing sporting talent.
During the ceremony, Director of Youth Resources and Sports Kethosituo Sekhose handed over the SKOCH Silver Award to the Chief Minister on behalf of the department. The award was conferred on the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for its Grassroots Football Festival, popularly known as the Baby League.
Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) Chairman Theja Meru also handed over the Golden Beaver Award to Rio on behalf of the State Government. The award recognised Nagaland's contribution to promoting arts, culture and music at state, national and international levels.
The ceremony concluded with medal presentations recognising outstanding performances in the Para Games and men's and women's boxing competitions.
