LAHORE - Pakistan's leading F-Class long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz was honoured under the Hamaray Heroes initiative during the closing ceremony of the Pakistan Super League 2026 final at Gaddafi Stadium. The recognition highlighted Nawaz’s outstanding contributions to shooting sports, bringing a non-mainstream discipline into the spotlight at one of Pakistan’s biggest sporting events.
Introduced in 2020, the ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) honours individuals from diverse fields, including sports, education, healthcare, and social work, who have played a role in promoting a positive image of Pakistan. Speaking after receiving the award, Nawaz thanked PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the selection panel for recognising shooting sports alongside mainstream disciplines. He also praised the successful organisation of the PSL, calling it a testament to Pakistan’s ability to host major international events.
Nawaz acknowledged the support of Maryam Nawaz for promoting sports initiatives, noting that government backing is vital for nurturing young talent and encouraging healthy lifestyles. “This recognition is meaningful for a sport that has long remained outside the mainstream,” Nawaz said, expressing hope that it would inspire young athletes to pursue excellence beyond cricket.
The 42-year-old shooter from Faisalabad has enjoyed a distinguished international career spanning over two decades. He holds 10 international individual medals, the highest tally by any Pakistani in F-Class shooting. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he became the first Pakistani to win gold at the NRA USA National Long Range Championship. His achievements also include a silver medal at the 2023 European Long Range Championship at Bisley and multiple podium finishes at the 2022 Western Bisley Championship. In 2023, he set a national record at the 800-yard range at Bisley.
Nawaz, who has been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, also used the occasion to stress the need for developing infrastructure for shooting sports, including modern ranges and easier access to equipment. He praised the PCB for using the PSL platform to highlight achievements beyond cricket, saying such recognition plays a crucial role in broadening the country’s sporting landscape.
