KUALA LUMPUR – Two-time Paralympic gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou attributes his longevity in sports to his relentless drive to set new records.
At 36, the Kuala Lumpur-born SU5 (standing upper impairment) men’s singles shuttler has his sights set on winning the Bahrain Para Badminton International next week and maintaining an unbeaten record throughout 2024.
Liek Hou’s last defeat in a major competition was in the final of the postponed 2022 Asian Para Games, held in Hangzhou last year’s October. On the Open circuit, his most recent loss came in the Spanish Para Badminton International final in February 2023.
“At my age now, I don’t feel pressure or play under it. I enjoy every moment, every match, and I cherish the chance to create more history and set new records for myself,” said Liek Hou after receiving RM10,000 from the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Association (KLBA) for securing his second Paralympics gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games in September.
“I always tell myself: ‘If you can win once, you can win more.’ As long as I’m achieving positive results, there’s no pressure.
“Next week, I’ll compete in my final tournament of the year in Bahrain. It’s a Level One tournament, so I’m obligated to play. I hope to win it and stay unbeaten this year.
“I only realised I hadn’t lost this year after the Paris Games,” he added with a smile.
Looking ahead, Liek Hou revealed plans to compete in eight or nine tournaments next year to stay sharp ahead of the World Championships and the Asian Para Games, both in 2026.
“That’s my target for now. Anything beyond that will depend on how my body holds up. If I’m fit, I’ll continue playing,” said Liek Hou, who spent eight to ten years training under KLBA as a young boy.
Also receiving incentives from KLBA today were 2024 Paris Olympics men’s doubles bronze medallist Soh Wooi Yik, former national women’s doubles coach Hoon Thien How, and Liek Hou’s coach Nova Armada. — December 1, 2024