Pakistan Navy lift silverware, Army bags second position in shooting championship

Adil, named best shooter, says event helped them prepare well for Asian Games

KARACHI: Pakistan Navy lifted the 2nd Parvez Abbasi Open Shooting Championship 2018 trophy in a convincing manner after securing a total of 63 medals, with the event focused on preparing shooters for the upcoming Asian Games.

Navy’s 63 medals included 20 gold, 24 silver and 19 bronze medals, followed by Pakistan Army who secured second position with their four gold and three bronze medals. Sindh won one gold, one silver and three bronze to confirm the third spot as the event concluded on Sunday at the Pakistan Navy Shooting Range, PNS Karsaz, Karachi.

Pakistan Navy's Ghufran Adil, who will be representing Pakistan at the Asian Games, was declared the best shooter of the championship with two gold and one silver medal.

“This championship has really helped me and other shooters to prepare well for the Asian Games. We got to compete against a variety of shooters from different departments and regions which helped us in improving our focus,” Adil told The Express Tribune.

He continued by saying that the more events they participate in, the more they get a chance to challenge themselves and participating in the event at the PNS shooting range, where latest guns were available to them, really helped them.

Meanwhile, the top shooter of Pakistan Ghulam Bashir said he is aiming to qualify for the Olympic by winning at the Asian Games. “I have improved my score. I have reached till 573 and required is 580 at least to win at Asian Games. I still have a week and will train to reach the mark and qualify for the Olympics,” he said.

He added that handling pressure and setting focus straight would be vital during the Games. “This tournament has helped me a lot in increasing my ability to focus, so I am optimistic for a better performance in Indonesia,” he said.

A part of the 10-member contingent will be leaving on August 14, while others will be leaving on August 19 for the Games.

Chief guest Askara Abbasi, wife of the late Parvez Abbasi distributed the medals among the competitors.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Commodore (R) Ghazanfar Abbas, event director of Parvez Abbasi Open Shooting Championship, praised the athletes for their participation.

“The Parvez Abbasi Open Shooting Championship is a big success. It is a mega event with teams participating from all across Pakistan,” said Abbas. “Nearly 95000 bullets were shot in the 27 events in the five-day championship without any mishap, and I thank all the participants who came from all over the country.”