LAHORE – Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary has held a detailed meeting with Pakistan’s leading F-Class long-range shooter Mohsin Nawaz, focusing on the long-term development of sports in the country, particularly disciplines that operate outside the mainstream spotlight.
The meeting addressed structural challenges faced by athletes in non-traditional sports, including limited infrastructure, high equipment costs and the absence of institutional support. Mohsin Nawaz highlighted that shooting sports in Pakistan continue to rely largely on individual effort, despite producing athletes capable of competing at the highest international level. Mohsin Nawaz proposed the establishment of 50-metre shooting facilities in major cities, noting that such ranges do not require vast land or heavy investment. He stressed that with supportive government policies, even modest indoor or semi-indoor spaces could be transformed into effective training centres, providing access to aspiring shooters across the country.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged Nawaz’s self-driven journey and described it as a model of perseverance for young athletes. Nawaz is Pakistan’s most decorated F-Class shooter, having won 10 international individual medals, the highest by any Pakistani in the discipline. His standout performances in 2024 included silver and bronze medals at the European Long Range Shooting Championship and a silver medal at the prestigious 155th NRA UK Imperial Championship. He is also the first Pakistani to hold life memberships of both the UK and USA National Rifle Associations.
During the discussion, Nawaz expressed his desire to pass on his expertise to the next generation, saying that Pakistan’s youth need structured platforms to learn modern techniques and competitive discipline. He emphasised that talent development must go hand in hand with mentorship and continuity.
A certified sports psychologist and emotional wellbeing coach, Mohsin Nawaz underlined the importance of mental conditioning in elite competition. He noted that psychological resilience often determines success at international events, calling ‘mental strength “the real weapon” for athletes. He advocated for formal psychological support systems to shield national players from pressure and negativity that can undermine performance.
The one of the F-class top shootersalso urged reforms in import policies and customs duties on specialised sporting equipment, arguing that excessive taxation makes precision gear unaffordable. He said easing these barriers could help Pakistan prepare competitive shooters for the 2026 World Championship.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal assured that the proposals would be examined, recognising that international sporting success enhances Pakistan’s global image. The meeting signals a growing willingness at the policy level to engage with and invest in sports beyond cricket and hockey, opening new avenues for athletic excellence.
