KUALA LUMPUR — Alia Sazana Azahari’s record-breaking 44-hit performance at February’s Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup won’t enter the ISSF’s world record books—but the 33-year-old insists she “fully understands” why.
The Malaysian sharpshooter landed 44 hits out of 50 targets in the women’s 25m pistol event in Bangkok, smashing the previous Asian record of 41 hits set by South Korea’s Yang Jiin in 2024.
However, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) ruled the mark ineligible for global status, as only Asian athletes competed.
“It’s justified,” Alia told Bernama.
“A world record needs worldwide competition. But Alhamdulillah, Asia still acknowledges it. I’ve accepted and fully understand the decision.”
“No appeal is needed,” added National Shooting Association of Malaysia executive secretary Major (Rtd) Jasni Shaari.
For Alia, the achievement transcended numbers. The veteran, who has represented Malaysia for 13 years, described the final as one of the most meaningful moments in her career.
“It wasn’t just about the medal or the record — though of course, it’s one of the biggest achievements of my life,” she said.
“But the conditions I experienced during that final were completely unexpected.”
With the record debate behind her, Alia has shifted focus to December’s 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, where she aims to add another gold to her collection. — April 7, 2025