Aina finds redemption in final Sukma appearance

PETALING JAYA: Aina Zahara Baharum could not have asked for a better way to end her Malaysia Games (Sukma) journey after finally striking gold in the women’s 50m rifle three positions for Negri Sembilan yesterday.

The 20-year-old had endured disappointment in her favourite event at the previous two editions in Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak, but made amends in her final Sukma appearance at the National Shooting Range in Subang.

Aina kept her composure in a tight final to emerge champion with 344.2 points, ahead of Perak’s Nor Alya Aqila Mahathir, who took silver with 340.6.

Another Perak shooter, Ainul Mardhiah Mohd Yusri, finished third with 330.7 points.

“Gold was always my target, but after a few events had gone by, I started to lose a bit of confidence,” said Aina. “But I managed to recover within 24 hours and told myself, ‘Today has to be mine’.”

The victory was a huge relief for Aina, who had carried the disappointment of missing out on gold for the past four years.

Aina’s triumph was Negri’s second shooting gold at the Selangor Sukma after Azman Ridzuan won the men’s 50m rifle prone individual event.

It was also Negri’s fourth gold overall, adding to the victories by T. Jayvind in the 10,000m athletics event and Zane Aydeen Faisal in the men’s downhill cycling event.