On cloud nine: Cheah Liek Hou (left) celebrating his gold medal effort in the men’s SU5 category with his coach Nova Armada. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The evergreen Cheah Liek Hou continues to prove that age is not a barrier for him when he created another milestone by successfully defending his men’s singles SU5 (upper body impairment) gold in the Paris Paralympics.
The 36-year-old shuttler made history by becoming the first Malaysian to win gold in badminton in the Tokyo Games in 2021 when the sport was held for the first time in the Paralympics.
Liek Hou then defended his title despite again facing much younger opponents in Paris.
He beat Indonesia’s 29-year-old Suryo Nugroho 21-13, 21-15 in the final at Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle on Monday.
Before that, Liek Hou also secured another impressive 21-17, 21-17 victory in the last four over Suryo’s teammate and arch rival Dheva Anrimusthi, who is 25.
Liek Hou, who is also an eight time world champion and two-time Asian Para Games gold medallist in the singles, was proud of himself for defying his age and maintaining his form for so long.
“I’m very happy and proud of myself because I created more history for the country,” said Liek Hou.
“I’m the first to win two golds in badminton for Malaysia in the Paralympics. This is very special for myself and for my country.
“The SU5 is getting tougher and tougher and the players are young while I’m an old man. I’m glad I could win and deal with the pressure it comes with.
“I’m very satisfied with my performance in this tournament. Although I’m getting older and older, people will say old is gold and I have proven this by defending my title here.
“I appreciate the support I have received and I dedicate this gold to all Malaysians,” added Liek Hou.Liek Hou is set to receive RM1mil from the government for his outstanding achievement and monthly RM5,000 pension.
He could continue playing until the next Paralympics in 2028 in Los Angeles where he will be 40 if he can maintain his physical condition.
Meanwhile, Fareez Anuar proved that he could be Liek Hou’s successor after making it into the semi-finals in his maiden appearance in the Paralympics.
The 28-year-old Fareez lost out to Suryo in the last four and went down fighting 21-17, 19-21, 12-21 to Dheva in the bronze medal playoff match but did enough to show that he could replace Liek Hou one day.
Men’s singles SU5
Final: Cheah Liek Hou (Mas) bt Suryo Nugroho (Ina) 21-13, 21-15.
Bronze medal playoff: Dheva Anrimusthi (Ina) bt Fareez Anuar (Mas) 17-21, 21-19, 21-12.
