PSL honours Mohsin Nawaz, spotlighting shooting sports on national stage

 LAHORE: Pakistan's leading long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz was honoured under the Pakistan Super League’s prestigious ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative during the PSL 2026 final ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium, a recognition that signals growing acknowledgment of overlooked disciplines on the national stage.

The honour, presented by the Pakistan Cricket Board, highlighted Nawaz’s outstanding contributions to shooting sports, a field that has historically operated outside mainstream attention in Pakistan. The moment stood out amid a star-studded finale, reinforcing a broader narrative: Pakistan’s sporting identity is expanding beyond cricket.

Expressing gratitude, Nawaz thanked PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the selection panel for recognising his achievements and, more importantly, bringing shooting sports into the national conversation. He described the gesture as “meaningful recognition” for athletes striving in less-publicised disciplines.

He also acknowledged the support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, noting that government backing plays a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyles and opening pathways for young talent across diverse sports.

The ‘Hamaray Heroes’ initiative, launched in 2020, honours individuals from various sectors, including sports, education, healthcare, and social work, who contribute positively to Pakistan’s global image. Selected by a PCB-appointed panel, awardees receive financial recognition and widespread visibility through PSL broadcasts and digital platforms.

For Nawaz, the recognition crowns a remarkable career spanning over two decades. The 42-year-old Faisalabad-born shooter holds a record 10 international individual medals, more than any Pakistani in F-Class long-range shooting. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he became the first Pakistani to win gold at the NRA USA National Long Range Championship, placing him firmly on the global map.

His achievements include a silver medal at the 2023 European Long Range Championship in Bisley, multiple gold and silver medals at the 2022 Western Bisley Championship, and a national record at the 800-yard range in 2023. His consistent performances have established him as a pioneer of precision shooting in Pakistan.

Nawaz has also been nominated for the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, and if awarded later this month, he will become the first shooter in Pakistan’s history to receive the civilian honour, marking a defining milestone for the sport.

Using the PSL platform, Nawaz called for urgent development of shooting infrastructure, advocating the establishment of 50-meter ranges in major cities and reforms to ease access to equipment. He stressed that with proper facilities and institutional support, Pakistan can produce world-class athletes across multiple disciplines.