Kota Kinabalu: Armed with a borrowed rifle she had to adjust on the spot, Sabahan teen shooter Briana June Daya stunned the crowd by clinching a historic bronze medal at the Sport Excel/NSC/Milo/NSAM 5th Malaysian Junior Shooting Championship 2025 in Subang, Selangor on Saturday.
The 19-year-old from Penampang secured third place in the 50m Rifle Prone Women Junior category, making it her first-ever podium finish at the national level.
Her achievement also marked a breakthrough for the Sabah Shooting Association (SSA), as it was the State’s first medal in this category.
“I am really happy because everything I worked for, all the training, finally paid off,” Briana said after the competition.
She explained that the team had to borrow a weapon from the Selangor Shooting Association upon arrival, leaving her with little time to make adjustments before competing.
“It was not easy, but I just told myself to stay calm and focus on the basics,” she added.
Briana’s preparation has been rooted in discipline and stamina, with a regime that requires her to stay in a prone position for an hour while carrying out around 70 ‘dry fire’ drills.
“This is how I strengthen my body and discipline myself to stay consistent,” she said.
Her bronze medal, she believes, is only the beginning of her journey as a competitive shooter.
“I hope this success pushes me further, and one day, I want to break the national record,” she declared.
SSA head coach Dennis Ejoh hailed her achievement as a morale booster for the state’s shooting team.
“With this win, Briana has shown that Sabah shooters can compete at the highest level,” he said.
He added that her determination should serve as inspiration for other young athletes to double their efforts.
A total of 22 participants from five teams competed in the category, which was dominated by Perak shooters.
Gold went to Nurul Ain Murad, while her teammate Ainul Mardhiah Mohd Yusri claimed silver.
For Briana, however, the bronze medal carries a deeper meaning, a reward for perseverance and a symbol of Sabah’s growing presence in Malaysian shooting.