Mohsin Nawaz to guide Pakistan on the world stage at the 2026 Nomad Games

The Traditional Sports & Games Pakistan Association (TSGPA) has officially appointed civil award recipient Mohsin Nawaz as its Official Sports Psychologist, marking a historic shift in how national contingents prepare for the World stage globally.

Nawaz, who was honored with the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan, is also an official Brand Ambassador for Austrian-based Kahles Optics, South African-based Peregrine Bullets, and the HawkSmith Gun Club in DHA, Karachi. He brings years of specialized experience in building mental toughness and guiding elite athletes, with TSGPA emphasizing that his extensive background in sports psychology and high-performance training was pivotal to his selection.

Following the announcement, TSGPA Chairman and Head of Delegation Mr. Nawab Furqan Khan, along with President of Horseback Archery and Board Member of TSGPA Aurangzeb Mubashar, formally welcomed Nawaz to the national setup.

Officials highlighted that this is the first time in Pakistan's history that a sports federation has integrated a dedicated sports psychologist directly into its core roster. While high-performance mental conditioning is standard in international sports setups, it represents a pioneering step for traditional sports in Pakistan.

Under his mandate, Nawaz will design and implement comprehensive sports psychology programs for TSGPA athletes. His core focus will be equipping team members with performance-enhancement strategies, stress management techniques, concentration drills, and confidence-building frameworks tailored for high-stakes competition. Furthermore, he will work closely with coaches, officials, and athletes to maintain overall mental well-being and prepare national teams for upcoming domestic and international fixtures.

This historic appointment comes as Pakistan prepares to field a 100-member contingent across 23 competitive disciplines, alongside traditional demonstrations, at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026. A total of 106 countries are expected to participate in the Games. Often described as the Olympics of traditional sports, the World Nomad Games bring together elite competitors from across the globe.

In a major corporate boost for traditional athletics in the country, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) has stepped forward as the official corporate sponsor for the Horseback Archery team and Pakistan's participation in the World Nomad Games. Corporate backing from a leading financial institution like NBP marks a commendable milestone for traditional sports, providing crucial financial and logistical endorsement on the international stage.

Pakistan’s Horseback Archery squad features four premier athletes (Arham Ahsan, Gohar Mustafa, Arshaq Naeem, and Aamina Shifa), alongside Rehana Altaf, who complete the competitive team lineup representing the nation in this high-precision equestrian discipline.

"Pakistan's participation in the World Nomad Games is an important opportunity to showcase our traditional sporting talent and soft image on an international stage," stated TSGPA Chairman Nawab Furqan Khan. "Integrating formal mental health and performance preparation ensures our athletes are supported holistically—both physically and mentally—to face the pressure of world-class competition."

Beyond competitive events, the Pakistan contingent will feature showcase demonstrations of Kabaddi, Kite Flying, Desi Kushti (demonstrated by Sajjad Hussain Awan), and Naiza Bazi (demonstrated by equestrian and tent-pegging athlete Aurangzeb Mubashar) to highlight the nation's rich cultural heritage.

With Chef de Mission Mr. Muhammad Shahid (Deputy Director General) and Chairman Nawab Furqan Khan leading the delegation, TSGPA's scientific approach to athlete preparation and strong corporate backing signal a transformative direction for traditional sports in Pakistan as the team prepares to represent the country on the global stage.