Mohsin Nawaz becomes first shooting athlete to receive Tamgha-e-Imtiaz

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani F-Class long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz has become the first athlete from the country’s shooting sports community to receive the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, in what has been described as a landmark moment for the sport in Pakistan.

President Asif Ali Zardari presented the civil award to Nawaz during the Presidential Awards ceremony held in Islamabad on May 13.

After receiving the honour, Nawaz said the recognition was significant not only for him personally but also for the wider shooting sports fraternity in Pakistan. He also thanked his parents, coaches and supporters, and dedicated the achievement to young athletes pursuing success in sports that receive limited public attention.

Career and international record

Nawaz is currently preparing for the 2026 F-Class World Championship in the United Kingdom. He has continued to push for reforms in sports, including better training infrastructure and lower import duties on specialised sporting equipment.

He is regarded as Pakistan’s most accomplished F-Class shooter and has spent more than 20 years building his standing in a discipline that has traditionally had limited institutional backing in the country.

Born in Faisalabad on August 23, 1986, Nawaz began his competitive shooting career in 2004 at the Pakistan Ordnance Factory shooting club in Wah.

He holds 10 international individual medals in F-Class long-range shooting, the highest number won by any Pakistani athlete in the sport. His results on the international stage include podium finishes in the United States, South Africa and Europe, including medals at the European Long Range Shooting Championship and the Imperial Championship.

In 2023, he equalled a European record during the European Long Range Shooting Championship, further strengthening his position among leading long-range shooters internationally.

Domestic achievements and advocacy

At home, Nawaz has maintained a strong record in competitive shooting, winning multiple gold medals in PARA Army Championships, national long-range championships and benchrest events.

He has also established several national records, including performances recorded at the 2025 F-Class National Long Range Shooting Championship in Jhelum.

Beyond competition, Nawaz has also been involved in efforts to promote shooting sports in Pakistan. He recently joined Hawksmith Gun & Shooting Club as a brand ambassador, where he is supporting 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.

The award marks a notable development for shooting sports in Pakistan, with Nawaz’s recognition placing a spotlight on a discipline that has historically received less attention than many other sports in the country.