LAHORE (Urdu Times) Mohsin Nawaz becomes first shooting sports athlete to receive Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in Pakistan

LAHORE (Urdu Times): Pakistan’s premier F-Class long-range shooter, Mohsin Nawaz, has become the first athlete from shooting sports to receive the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, marking a historic moment for the country’s sporting landscape.

The award was conferred by Asif Ali Zardari during the Presidential Awards ceremony held in Islamabad on May 13, recognising Mohsin Nawaz’s outstanding contributions to long-range shooting and his role in elevating Pakistan’s profile in the international arena.

Speaking after receiving the award, Nawaz described the honor as a milestone not only for himself but for the entire shooting sports community in Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to his parents, supporters, and coaches, while also dedicating the achievement to young athletes striving for recognition in less-publicized sports.

Nawaz also credited the development of Pakistan’s shooting sports infrastructure to the patronage of Syed Asim Munir and the establishment of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association, which enabled Pakistani shooters to gain recognition through affiliation with the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations.

Currently preparing for the 2026 F-Class World Championship in the United Kingdom, Nawaz continues to advocate for sports reforms, including improved training facilities and reduced import duties on specialized sporting equipment. His long-term vision, he says, is to ensure future generations of Pakistani shooters receive the opportunities and support needed to compete successfully on the world stage.

Widely regarded as Pakistan’s most accomplished F-Class shooter, Nawaz has spent more than two decades building a reputation in a discipline that has traditionally received limited institutional support in the country. Born in Faisalabad on August 23, 1986, he began his competitive shooting career in 2004 at the Pakistan Ordnance Factory shooting club in Wah. Over the years, he pursued international competition largely through personal commitment, private sponsorships, and self-funded campaigns while also seeking professional coaching abroad.

Nawaz currently holds 10 international individual medals in F-Class long-range shooting, the highest tally achieved by any Pakistani athlete in the sport. His international achievements include podium finishes in the United States, South Africa, and Europe, including medals at the European Long Range Shooting Championship and the prestigious Imperial Championship. In 2023, he equalled a European record during the European Long Range Shooting Championship, further cementing his standing among elite long-range shooters worldwide.

At the national level, Nawaz has consistently dominated competitive shooting events, winning multiple gold medals in PARA Army Championships, national long-range championships, and benchrest competitions. He has also set several national records, including performances at the 2025 F-Class National Long Range Shooting Championship in Jhelum.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Nawaz has played a prominent role in promoting shooting sports in Pakistan. He recently joined Hawksmith Gun & Shooting Club as a brand ambassador to support the development of world-class tactical training and precision shooting facilities in the country. Internationally, he also serves as a brand ambassador for Austrian optics manufacturer KAHLES Sports Optics and South African bullet manufacturer Peregrine Bullets.