A Triumph of Skill, Strategy, and Patriotism on Global Stage
Islamabad – In a stunning display of precision shooting and unyielding team spirit, the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Team made history at the prestigious South African F-Class National Long Range Championship 2025, clinching double gold in the team events and securing 11 medals in individual matches. The competition, hosted by the reigning world champions South Africa, is regarded as one of the most competitive and respected events on the global shooting sports calendar.
The triumph marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards establishing itself as a dominant force in the world of long-range precision shooting.
Strategic Preparation: Wind Training Camp in South Africa
Ahead of the championship, seven members of the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Team participated in a four-day wind training camp in South Africa from March 27 to March 30, 2025. This intensive session was conducted under the guidance of newly appointed South African wind coaches, Hennie Gerber and Julius Hartman.
The training aimed to equip the Pakistani shooters with tactical knowledge and adaptability, especially considering South Africa’s unique wind conditions. This preparation was also seen as a crucial step in their roadmap toward the European F-Class Teams Championship 2025 in Bisley, UK, and the F-Class World Teams Championship 2026.
Dominance in Team Matches – Historic Double Gold Victory
The main highlight of the tournament came with Pakistan’s sweeping victory in both key team events, marking a momentous accomplishment for the squad. Competing on the home turf of the world champions, the Pakistani shooters exhibited clinical focus and supreme accuracy.
🥇 Vice President Team Match (800m + 900m)
- Score: 1168 / 1200
- Accuracy: 97.3%
- Result: Gold
🥇 Chairman’s Team Cup
- Score: 1174 / 1200
- Accuracy: 98%
- Result: Gold
These victories were especially significant as they were achieved against South Africa’s best — the reigning world champions. Winning both events in such a high-pressure setting affirms the Pakistan team’s growth, discipline, and mental fortitude.
Team Members:
- Lt Gen Ahsan
- Asad Wahid
- Obaid Ibrahim
- Huzaifa Gill
- Junaid Waqas
- Lt Col Junaid Ali
- Sep Waleed
The event also reflected the fruitful partnership with the South African wind coaches who played a pivotal role in helping the team adjust to challenging atmospheric conditions.
Individual Brilliance – 11 Medals for Pakistan
Beyond team success, Pakistani shooters also delivered outstanding individual performances, collecting a total of 11 medals — a testament to their growing dominance in global F-Class shooting competitions.
🇵🇰 Medal Breakdown:
- 🥇 5 Gold
- 🥈 3 Silver
- 🥉 3 Bronze
One standout performer was Lt Col Junaid Ali, whose consistency across multiple distances earned him an impressive 3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze — the highest individual haul for a Pakistani shooter at the championship.
Individual Medal Highlights
Here are some of the notable achievements from the championship:
- Scottish Sword Match (300 + 600 + 800m)
🥇 Gold – Sep Waleed - State President 1st Stage (300 + 500 + 600m)
🥈 Silver – Obaid Ibrahim - Jack Mitchley Match (300m)
🥇 Gold – Asad Wahid - Free State Bisley Match (300 + 600m)
🥇 Gold – Lt Col Junaid Ali - Dalrymple Cup (300 + 600m)
🥈 Silver – Lt Col Junaid Ali - Col Bodley Match (900m)
🥇 Gold – Lt Col Junaid Ali - State President 1st Stage
🥉 Bronze – Lt Col Junaid Ali - State President 2nd Stage
🥈 Silver – Lt Col Junaid Ali - State President Overall Trophy
🥇 Gold – Lt Col Junaid Ali
🥉 Bronze – Obaid Ibrahim - SA Championship Aggregate Overall
🥉 Bronze – Lt Col Junaid Ali
A Legacy of Excellence – Pakistan’s Rise in Long-Range Shooting
The Pakistan Long Range Rifle Team’s international journey began in earnest with their debut at the 2023 F-Class World Championship in South Africa, where they finished a respectable 5th place in their first-ever outing. This breakthrough laid the foundation for a series of impressive achievements.
Later in 2023, the team went on to win the European FTR Teams Championship, securing six individual medals, including two European records set by Lt Gen Ahsan and Mohsin Nawaz.
2024 Achievements:
- 🥉 Bronze in European FTR Teams Championship
- 🏅 14 Individual Medals
- 📈 2 European Records (Ahmed Jawad – 900m & 1000m)
2025 Success So Far:
- 🥇 Double Gold in Team Events (South African Nationals)
- 🏅 11 Individual Medals
This sustained success underlines the effectiveness of merit-based selection, continuous training, and strategic planning.
National Pride and Future Aspirations
The Pakistan Long Range Rifle Team’s achievements are a testament to national dedication, discipline, and talent. With support from the Patron-in-Chief, the team has shown that Pakistan can compete and win at the highest levels of precision shooting.
Their victories have not only elevated Pakistan’s standing in the global sports community but also instilled a deep sense of pride and motivation among youth, inspiring the next generation of shooters.
🇵🇰 Key Values Driving Success:
- Merit-based selection
- Discipline and unity
- Strategic preparation
- Resilience under pressure
Looking Ahead – Eyes on Bisley 2025 and World Championship 2026
Following this landmark victory in South Africa, the team is now setting its sights on the European F-Class Teams Championship 2025 in Bisley, United Kingdom, and the ultimate goal — the F-Class World Teams Championship 2026.
With a growing track record of excellence and an unwavering commitment to progress, the Pakistan Long Range Rifle Team is poised to bring further accolades to the country on the international shooting stage.
Conclusion: A National Moment of Pride
The Pakistan Long Range Rifle Team’s performance at the South African F-Class National Championship 2025 will be remembered as a historic chapter in the nation’s sporting history. Their double team gold and 11 individual medals are more than victories — they are symbols of what focused strategy, hard work, and patriotic spirit can achieve.
With continued guidance, trust, and support, the team aims to uphold Pakistan’s honour and bring even greater glory in the years to come. InshaAllah!
Pakistan Zindabad!
