Long-range shooting is a fascinating sport, as P.G. Wodehouse once said: “The fascination of shooting as a sport depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or wrong end of the gun.”
Meet Mohsin Nawaz, a Pakistani rifleman and shooter who is not just a player but also a game changer and a trailblazer in the global long-range shooting landscape. The first Pakistani to earn Life Membership with the National Rifle Associations of both the UK and the USA. Currently, Mohsin Nawaz owns 10 international F-Class long-range individual medals, the highest in Pakistani F-Class shooting sport.
Long-range shooting demands precise hand-eye coordination, fast reaction time, skill, fine motor control, stamina, and endurance. Mohsin Nawaz has mastered this by practising at the “right end” of the gun.
Mohsin Nawaz’s Inspiration for Taking Up Shooting as a Sport
Born on August 23, 1983, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Nawaz’s journey into the world of shooting began at the local Pakistan Ordnance Factory shooting club in Wah. Unlike many of his peers drawn towards cricket, Nawaz found his calling in the disciplined, quiet intensity of shooting. His early exposure to hunting fostered a deep respect for precision and patience—traits that would define his career. He is also a sports psychologist, sports nutritionist, and life coach.
National and International Acclaim
They say, “Train until you get it right.” But champions train until they can’t get it wrong. Mohsin Nawaz understood this well, and this is why he invested a significant part of his life and resources into training for the sport he loves. His optimism, perseverance, and dedication led to his extraordinary victories.
Mohsin Nawaz quickly distinguished himself as a formidable competitor in the shooting world. With a slew of medals at both national and international levels, including prestigious victories at the NRA Championships in both the UK and USA, where he holds lifetime memberships, Nawaz has set high benchmarks.
National Achievements
| Event | Medal/Recognition |
| 27th PARA Army Shooting Championship, 2007 300M | Bronze Medal |
| 27th PARA Army Shooting Championship, 2007 300M Iron Sight | Bronze Medal |
| POF Shooting Championship, 2015 | Bronze Medal |
| All Pakistan Long Range Shooting Championship | Bronze Medal |
| 35th PARA Army Shooting Championship, 2016-300M | Gold Medal |
| 35th PARA Army Shooting Championship, 2016-800M | Silver Medal |
| All Pakistan Long Range Chandio Cup, 2016-800M | Bronze Medal |
| NAVY Shooting Championship, 2017-300M Telescope | Silver Medal |
| NAVY Shooting Championship, 2017-300M Iron Sight | Bronze Medal |
| All Pakistan Long Range Shooting Championship 1000M Mehran Cup, 2018 | Gold Medal |
| All Pakistan Chandio Cup, 2018-800M | Gold Medal |
| 39th PARA Army Shooting Championship, 2019-300M | Gold Medal |
| 2nd Muhammad Ali Jinnah All Pakistan Shooting Championship 300M Benchrest | Gold Medal |
| 2nd Muhammad Ali Jinnah All Pakistan Shooting Championship 1000M | Gold Medal |
| 40th PARA Army Shooting Championship, 2021 300M | Bronze Medal |
| Best F Class Shooter Certificate 2019 (2nd Muhammad Ali Jinnah) | Best F class Shooter Certificate |
| 42nd PARA Central Meet 2022 Open National Challenge Rifle Match 800M | Gold Medal |
| F Open Rifle Match (New National Record) | New National Record |
International Achievements
| Event | Medal/Recognition |
| Montana Rocky Mountain 2016, 800 yards | 2nd Position and overall aggregated position was 5th |
| CIHPRS Shooting Championship Indianapolis, USA, 1000M, F-Open 2019 | Silver Medal |
| 1st Classification Card for Pakistan from NRA, USA, after completing 400 competition shots | 1st Classification Card |
| South Africa Long Range Open Championship 2021, 900M | Bronze Medal |
| 68th Western Bisley Long Range Championship 2022 | 3 Gold, 2 Silver Medals |
| European Long Range Shooting Championship 800 Yards, 2023 | Silver Medal |
| F Class Imperial Championship 2024, 300 Yards Category | Silver Medal |
A Symbol of Resilience and Self-Reliance
Choosing long-range shooting was not an easy journey for Mohsin. The sport requires extensive practice, training, temperament control, stamina, and endurance. The saying “Practice makes perfect” is a myth; only perfect practice makes perfect. To reach an expert level, a shooter needs to undergo extensive training supervised by an expert coach who ensures the proper techniques are practised.
Pakistan’s economic straits and sparse resources have hindered the development of many sports, leaving promising talents without the support they need. The prolonged drought in Olympic medals, lasting since 1992, is one prominent example of the chronic underfunding and lack of infrastructure plaguing its sports sectors.
However, this narrative shifted dramatically when Arshad Nadeem won a gold medal in javelin at the Paris Olympics, breaking a 32-year Olympic medal drought for Pakistan and marking a historic moment for the country in track and field.
Competitive shooters like Nawaz often find themselves handicapped by outdated equipment and facilities. To transcend these limitations, Nawaz took matters into his own hands. He secured private sponsorships and, following a string of significant victories, took a pivotal step in 2016 by enlisting an expert international coach. This decision propelled him to a series of consistent victories on the global stage, proving that with determination and proper support, barriers can indeed be broken.
Challenges Faced by Shooting Sports in Pakistan and Mohsin Nawaz’s Vision to Overcome Them
Shooting sports in Pakistan face numerous hurdles, primarily stemming from insufficient infrastructure, lack of governmental support, and prohibitive equipment costs. The absence of dedicated facilities and access to modern equipment due to stringent import policies and high tariffs severely restricts the development of potential athletes and the sport’s growth at the national level.
Mohsin Nawaz Advocates for Revitalization of Shooting Sports in Pakistan and Urges Reform in Import Policies for Athletes
Mohsin Nawaz, being a pioneer in Pakistani long-range shooting, has laid out a comprehensive plan to elevate the sport within the country. His vision includes the establishment of accessible shooting facilities across all major cities. He advocates for simple, cost-effective setups that could significantly boost participation and interest in shooting sports. By demonstrating that even a modest 50-meter range can suffice for training and competition, Nawaz highlights the feasibility of his proposals.
Furthermore, Nawaz calls for a reform in the import policies governing sports equipment. He suggests that reducing taxes and easing the import process would make it substantially easier for aspiring shooters to obtain the necessary gear to train and compete effectively.
Beyond physical resources, Nawaz emphasises the need for psychological and emotional support from the government and sports authorities. He urges these bodies to recognise and back athletes, fostering an environment that nurtures rather than neglects its sports talent. By supporting athletes comprehensively, Nawaz believes that Pakistan can cultivate champions who are capable of competing on the world stage.
Future Endeavors
Mohsin Nawaz, a distinguished Pakistani long-range shooter, is gearing up for some significant events in his career. He’s set to participate in the King of 1 Mile and 2 Miles 2024 competitions, marking the first time a Pakistani shooter competes at these extended ranges. Mohsin has been preparing intensively, including training sessions in South Africa with Hermann Rolfes, the 2023 World Champion. This training not only hones his shooting skills but also emphasises the importance of mentoring upcoming athletes. Alongside, he is also preparing for the European Championship, supported by his sponsors KAHLES GmbH and PEREGRINE Bullets.
