Mohsin Nawaz, born in Faisalabad on August 23, 1983, is recognised as Pakistan's most celebrated F-Class Shooter and a true game-changer in the global long-range shooting world.

His journey is one of dedication, starting in 2004 when he found his passion in the "disciplined, quiet intensity of shooting," a contrast to peers drawn to cricket.

Nawaz is far more than an elite athlete; he is a certified Sports Psychologist, Sports Nutritionist, and Life Coach. He uses this unique knowledge to excel in his sport and to mentor others. Mohsin Nawaz has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments, often achieving victories independently or with private support, having received no government support to date.

He is the first long-range shooter since 1958 to be awarded the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. He is the first Pakistani to earn Life Membership with the National Rifle Associations of both the UK and the USA. He is also the country’s first NRA USA mid- and long-range classification holder. He currently owns 10 international F-Class long-range individual medals, which is the highest number in Pakistani F-Class shooting sport.

In 2024, at the European Long Range Shooting Championship, he secured a silver medal in the Day One Aggregate and a bronze medal in the 1000-Yard event.

These medals set historic milestones as the first time a Pakistani has medaled in these specific categories at this level. Also in 2024, at the NRA UK Imperial Championship, he won a silver medal in the Donegall 300 match and placed in the top eight overall.

His 2023 season included a silver medal at the European Championship, where he equalled the continental record at 800 yards. In 2022, he had a dominant showing at the 68th Western Bisley Long Range Championship, earning three gold and two silver medals. He continuously invests in his skills, including intensive training sessions in South Africa with Hermann Rolfes, the 2023 World Champion. He is supported by sponsors like KAHLES Sports Optics and Peregrine Bullets.

Nawaz believes that success in long-range shooting demands precise hand-eye coordination, stamina, fine motor control, and endurance. However, his certified expertise in sports psychology is what truly defines his approach. He emphasizes that in high-pressure situations, "Mental strength is the real weapon." He shares the wisdom of his mentors, who taught him that poor performance always has a "psychological reason".

He maintains a resilient mindset by focusing on self-improvement: "My competition is with myself. I strive to be a better version of myself, so setbacks don't disturb me because I know I am not competing with anyone else."

Mohsin Nawaz also applies this psychological insight to broader health issues, noting that obesity is a deeply emotional concern. He explains that when a person carries excess weight, it burdens the mind, leading to lowered self-esteem and emotional withdrawal. In his view, "True wellness begins when the mind and body start healing together." He reminds police officers that "A strong mind saves you, your colleagues, and the citizens of this nation," even calling mental health "more powerful than the weapon in your hand."

Beyond personal accolades, Mohsin Nawaz is actively working to make shooting sports accessible to fellow Pakistanis. He points out that the sport is not just for the wealthy but is an ordinary sport like any other.

Nawaz identifies major challenges in Pakistan, including: Insufficient infrastructure: He advocates for building accessible shooting facilities in all major cities, stressing that even a modest 50-meter range can suffice for training.

Prohibitive equipment costs: He urges authorities to amend import policies and customs duties to reduce taxes and ease the import process for sports gear. Crucially, he calls on the government and federations to offer emotional, psychological, and financial support to winning players, stating, "Don't kill their potential; they're our heroes."

In recognition of his tremendous contributions and international success, Mohsin Nawaz has been selected for the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors. This nomination is historic, as it marks the first time an individual from shooting sports has been announced for this high-level national award. The award, announced by President Asif Ali Zardari, is scheduled to be presented on Pakistan Day, March 23, 2026.

Nawaz’s journey, from starting competitive shooting at a time when long-range sport was barely recognised in Pakistan to becoming a global champion and an advocate for mental strength, shows that with self-reliance, optimism, and dedication, barriers can be broken.

Today, that same determination drives his preparation for the ICFRA F-Class World Championships (Long-Range), the King of 2 Miles extreme long-range match, and the 50-metre rimfire benchrest event under the WBSF (World Benchrest Shooting Federation).

– Sarfraz Ahmed