Pakistan has officially announced its 11-member shooting squad for the upcoming Asian Games, which will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The contingent comprises eight shooters and three officials, all of whom are gearing up for one of the most prestigious events in the Asian sports calendar.
The selected shooters include Usman Chand and Imam Haroon competing in skeet, while Farrukh Nadeem will represent the country in trap shooting. The rapid-fire category will see Ghulam Mustafa Bashir, Mohammad Umar, and Mohammad Shabbir in action. Additionally, Kishmala Talat and Rabia Kabir will compete in the pistol events.
Leading the team is Russian coach Vladimir Kovalenko, who has been appointed as the head coach. Commander Fazal-ul-Bari will take on the role of team manager. Razi Ahmed Khan, a senior official and coach from the National Rifle Association of Pakistan (NRAP), indicated that there is still a possibility of adding another shooter to the final roster. "Yes, we have also sent a reserve list and an addition can be made to it," Razi stated, emphasizing the flexibility of the team composition.
The shooting squad is currently undergoing rigorous training in Karachi and Jhelum. A training camp was established in Karachi on August 7, but the shooters temporarily relocated to Jhelum to participate in trials for the upcoming Military Games scheduled for next year. They are expected to return to Karachi on August 19 to continue their preparations for the Asian Games.
Financially, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has committed to covering half of the expenses for the shooting contingent, with the NRAP responsible for the remaining costs. Razi confirmed this support, stating, "Yes, the Board will back 50 percent of our contingent while NRAP will manage the rest." This backing is crucial for the athletes as they prepare for the intense competition ahead.
Razi expressed optimism regarding the team's chances for medals, particularly highlighting the potential of shooters like Bashir, Farrukh, and Kishmala. However, he also acknowledged the challenges of competing at such a high level. "The prospects are there, but it all depends on how a shooter delivers on a given day," he noted, underscoring the unpredictable nature of competitive shooting.
Kishmala Talat, who made history by becoming the first Pakistani shooter to win an Asian Games medal, will be a key figure in the squad. She secured a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games and is expected to be one of Pakistan's leading hopes for success in Japan. Additionally, Farrukh's recent victory in the skeet event at the Asian Championship in Doha earlier this year and Bashir's bronze medal at the 2022 World Championship in Cairo further bolster the team's prospects.
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