Renowned Pakistani shooter and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient Mohsin Nawaz has dedicated his prestigious national honour to the Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association (PLRA), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He also emphasised the critical role institutions play in the development and success of sports and athletes.
Speaking about the progress of shooting sports in Pakistan, Mohsin Nawaz highlighted the importance of institutional support in creating a structured environment that enables athletes to thrive and compete at the highest levels. He acknowledged the collective efforts of state institutions and the government of Pakistan in promoting shooting sports and providing athletes with opportunities to represent the country on the international stage.
Nawaz specifically appreciated the contributions of the Cabinet Division and the Pakistan Sports Board for helping bring shooting sports into the mainstream sporting framework of the country. He also paid tribute to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, recognising his role in facilitating the development of infrastructure and support systems essential for the growth of the sport.
"Field Marshal Asim Munir provided much-needed facilitation for the development of shooting sports facilities," Nawaz said. "With the official recognition of the Pakistan Sports Board and the government's support, Pakistani shooters now have an internationally recognised structure through which they can compete globally under Pakistan's flag."
The establishment of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Association under this broader framework of institutional support has proven to be a significant milestone for the sport. The PLRA successfully secured affiliation with the International Confederation of Fullbore Rifle Associations (ICFRA), giving Pakistan formal representation in long-range rifle shooting at the international level for the first time.
According to Nawaz, this achievement has opened a clear pathway for Pakistani shooters to participate in global competitions under an organised national structure, something that was previously unavailable to many talented athletes.
Nawaz has won 10 individual international medals and represented Pakistan in prestigious competitions across the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa. Drawing upon more than two decades of competitive experience, he believes Pakistan possesses immense untapped potential in shooting sports.
"The sport is progressing under a more structured system, and I can clearly see the difference," he said. "We are still in the early stages of development, but our ambition is to compete with world champions. The world has advanced significantly in this discipline, yet Pakistan has the talent and capability to compete at the highest level. We simply need to continue moving in the right direction."
Globally, long-range precision shooting has evolved into a highly specialised and professional discipline supported by dedicated academies, advanced training facilities and athlete development programmes. Nawaz believes Pakistan can follow a similar trajectory through sustained institutional investment and long-term planning.
Having trained under the 2023 World Champion, Nawaz stressed the demanding nature of the sport, highlighting the mental strength, concentration and discipline required to succeed. "It requires immense mental resilience, focus and countless hours of dedicated training," he explained. "The potential for shooting sports in Pakistan is enormous. What we need is continued institutional support and confidence in the country's ability to develop excellence in this discipline."
He further underscored the importance of collaboration with established institutions such as the Pakistan Army, whose culture of discipline, professionalism and precision can contribute significantly to producing elite international shooters.
Beyond his own competitive ambitions, Nawaz expressed a strong desire to help nurture the next generation of talent. He said he is committed to sharing the knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his career with aspiring young shooters across the country.
"I want to pass on what I have learned over the years," he said. "There are many talented young Pakistanis who are passionate about this sport and possess the potential to excel internationally. I want to contribute to building a pathway that helps them achieve their goals through guidance and mentorship."
Reflecting on the significance of receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Nawaz described the honour not merely as a personal achievement but as a symbol of responsibility and service. "The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz carries a message of responsibility, dedication and giving back to the community," he remarked. "The future of shooting sports in Pakistan is extremely bright, but sustained progress will require the continued support of institutions and stakeholders. The government, the Pakistan Sports Board and Field Marshal Asim Munir have helped nurture this sapling and bring it above the ground. The real question now is how high we can help it grow."
Nawaz expressed confidence that with continued institutional backing, strategic planning and investment in athlete development, Pakistan can emerge as a competitive force in international shooting sports in the years ahead.
