Fourteen-year-old shooting sensation Ahsan Waleed Gill stole the spotlight on the first day of the 2nd F-Class Long Range Shooting Championship at the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Jhelum.
Forty five talented shooters from across the country participated in the championship, which featured competitions in 600M and 800M categories, testing the participants' precision and skill.
Gill's impressive performance earned him the gold medal in the 600M event with a perfect score of 75/75. When asked about his secret to success, Gill emphasized the importance of technique and focus. "To excel in shooting, you need to master the technique and synchronize it with the wind conditions. It's all about maintaining a consistent rhythm," he said.
Gill also shared a valuable lesson he's learned, "There's a saying that if you focus too much on winning, you'll lose. Similarly, if you worry about losing, you'll lose. The key is to focus on your technique and let your training take over."
Gill's remarkable display of marksmanship skills was evident in both events.
In the 600M competition, he narrowly edged out Ahsan Gulraiz, who secured silver with 74/75, while Sardar Muhammad Jamal Laghari took bronze with 73/75. In the 800M competition, Junaid Waqas Iqbal emerged as the gold medalist, scoring 75/75 with 12 'v' (bullseye) hits. Gill claimed silver with a score of 75/75 and 11 'v' hits, while Sardar Mihammad Jamal secured bronze with 75/75 and 9 'v' hits.
The young shooter's mental toughness and ability to maintain focus under pressure were key factors in his success. "During the competition, there's a lot going on in your mind – your heartbeat, anxiety, and uncertainty about your next shot. But I've learned to keep those factors under control and trust my training," he shared.
Gill described the thrill of hitting the perfect shot. "The best moment is when you feel confident about your shot and execute it flawlessly. It's a split-second decision, almost instinctive. Your mind gives you a clear signal, and you pull the trigger without hesitation," explained Gill.
With his gold and silver medals, Gill's remarkable display of marksmanship skills also earned him the overall FTR Trophy. "I'm thrilled to have performed well in both events," he said. "Starting shooting at the age of eight has helped me develop a strong foundation, and I'm grateful for the continuous support of my family and coaches. This achievement motivates me to work harder and bring more laurels to Pakistan."
