Mohsin Nawaz hails PCB for recognizing shooting sports

Pakistan’s leading F-Class long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz was honoured under the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative during the grand closing ceremony of the 2026 edition at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th May, 2026) Pakistan’s leading F-Class long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz was honoured under the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative during the grand closing ceremony of the 2026 edition at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

The star-studded ceremony marked the culmination of the country’s premier T20 tournament, bringing together cricket officials, players and distinguished personalities from various fields, including sports, education, healthcare and the arts.

Launched during the fifth edition of the PSL in 2020, the ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative recognises individuals who have made significant contributions towards projecting a positive image of Pakistan. A panel constituted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reviews nominations and selects recipients, who are honoured during PSL matches. Awardees receive cash prizes, while documentaries highlighting their achievements are aired during games and across the league’s digital platforms.

Expressing gratitude, Mohsin Nawaz thanked PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the selection panel for acknowledging his services to shooting sports. He also lauded the PCB for successfully organising the tournament, stating that it once again demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to host major international sporting events.

He further appreciated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her government’s continued support for sports development, noting that such initiatives encourage healthy lifestyles and create opportunities for youth across diverse disciplines.

Describing the recognition as a milestone for shooting sports, Nawaz said the honour would help bring greater attention to a discipline that has largely remained outside the mainstream. He expressed hope that it would inspire young athletes to explore and excel in sports beyond cricket.

The 42-year-old shooter from Faisalabad boasts an illustrious career spanning over two decades in F-Class long-range shooting. He holds 10 international individual medals — the highest tally by any Pakistani in the discipline.

Nawaz rose to international prominence in 2018 when he became the first Pakistani to clinch gold at the NRA USA National Long Range Championship. His impressive record also includes a silver medal at the 2023 European Long Range Championship in Bisley and a remarkable performance at the 2022 Western Bisley Long Range Championship, where he secured three gold and two silver medals across multiple categories.

In 2023, he set a national record at Bisley’s 800-yard range with a score of 75.13 V-points, surpassing the previous benchmark. His other international achievements include a silver medal at the 2019 CIHPRS Championship in Indianapolis and a bronze at the 2021 South Africa Long Range Open Championship.

In recognition of his services, Nawaz has been nominated for the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. If conferred at the investiture ceremony, he would become the first Pakistani shooter to receive the prestigious civilian award.

Speaking on the occasion, Nawaz emphasised the need to develop infrastructure for non-mainstream sports. He advocated the establishment of 50-metre shooting ranges in major cities and called for reforms in import policies to make specialised equipment more accessible to athletes.

He noted that with adequate facilities and institutional support, Pakistan has the potential to produce world-class shooters and offer meaningful opportunities to emerging talent in precision sports.

Nawaz concluded by thanking the PCB for providing a national platform to highlight achievements in lesser-known sports and for promoting a broader sporting culture in the country.