KUALA LUMPUR — National para-badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou hopes the National Sports Council (NSC) will extend coach Nova Armada’s contract to support his preparation for continued success next year.
The 36-year-old, a 14-time World Champion, secured a gold medal at the Paris Paralympics in the SU5 (physical impairment) category under Nova’s guidance.
Alongside his Paris 2024 gold, Liek Hou also claimed four other titles this year — the Para World Championships, the Spanish Para International I and II, and the 4 Nations Para International.
Liek Hou said that the NSC will decide Nova’s future next week, expressing hope for a favourable outcome.
Nova, an Indonesian badminton coach, has known Liek Hou since he was 16 when they first met in 2004 while Nova was with the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association.
Besides Liek Hou, Nova also coached Fareez Anuar for the Paris Paralympics.
“It would be excellent if the NSC extends his contract. Nova has been instrumental in my preparations for Paris, and I need his support going forward.
“I believe there will be a discussion about his future next week, and I hope everything goes smoothly,” said Liek Hou during the Sports Victory Prize Scheme (Shakam) event at Dorsett Hotel yesterday.
For his gold-medal-winning performance in Paris, Liek Hou received RM1 million in Shakam incentives from the NSC.
Para-powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin also received RM1 million for his gold in the 72kg event, plus RM20,000 for setting a new world record of 232kg.
Paralympic long jumper Abdul Latif Romly (men’s T20) and shot putter Ziyad Zolkefli (men’s F20) each received RM300,000 for their silver medal win, while Eddy Bernard was awarded RM100,000 for winning bronze in the 100m (men’s T44). – October 26, 2024