PETALING JAYA: National pistol shooter Alia Sazana Azahari has ended the year as the second best in the Asian Shooting Confederation rankings this year – a remarkable achievement considering that she had battled a serious medical issue.
The Malaysian finished below Vietnam’s Thu Vinh Trinh in the women’s 25m pistol while China’s Zhang Yueyue came in third as the curtain came down on the shooting competitions.
Not many know that Alia’s strong 2025 was marked by a major health scare after doctors found a tumour which was later diagnosed as Ameloblastoma, a rare condition affecting the lower jaw.
The 34-year-old Alia admitted it had been a year of ups and downs.
“There have been a lot of positive things this year, but it was also one of the most challenging periods of my life,” said Alia.
Alia knew something was amiss before the Asian Cup in Bangkok in February. She thought her wisdom tooth was causing a problem and thought of removing it after the tournament.
At the Asian meet, she fired down a gold and smashed the final record with a score of 44 points, two points higher than the previous mark held by South Korea’s Kim Ye-ji.
“Before the competition, I felt that something was not right with my jaw, but I did not seek any medical treatment,” she said.
“After the Asian Cup, I went for a doctor’s appointment and was asked to go for a biopsy. I was so frightened.
“I was later diagnosed with the rare condition affecting the jawbone.
“Honestly, it was terrifying and one of the most challenging times I had ever faced.”
Doctors warned that delaying the procedure could lead to more severe complications, including the removal of a larger portion of her jawbone and the insertion of a metal plate.
“I had hoped to postpone the surgery until after the SEA Games, but the doctors advised against it,” she said.
She eventually went for a surgery in April.
“The recovery was extremely painful and traumatic.
“The pain was excruciating, and luckily part of the bone didn’t need to be removed. I didn’t have a smooth recovery, but I stayed focused.”
Despite the ordeal, Alia pushed on and successfully competed at the Thailand SEA Games and settled for bronze in the 25m air pistol after scoring 27 points.
Since making her debut in the 2015 SEA Games, Alia has won gold in the 2015 and 2017 editions and silver in the 2021 edition.
“What kept me going after the surgery was the SEA Games. I chose to keep quiet about my condition, but now it feels like the right time to finally talk about it.”
Alia said her recovery has been progressing well, and she is now looking ahead to the new season.
She is set to return to competition at a local meet in Subang before heading to the Asian Championships in New Delhi in February.
“To end the year as the second best Asian shooter is great and I hope to do well in the new season too.”
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
