KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated national para badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou for winning Malaysia's first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Monday (Sept 2).
Liek Hou emerged as the champion in the SU5 men's singles (physical disability) after defeating Indonesia's Suryo Nugroho 21-13, 21-1 in the final which took place at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, Paris, defending the gold medal he won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday (Sept 3), Anwar said he was proud of Cheah’s achievement for having placed Malaysia's name on the world stage, national news agency Bernama reported.
"We won the first gold medal at the #Paralympic2024! Even more proud because Cheah Liek Hou managed to defend the gold medal he won at the last Paralympics.
"Congratulations! You made Malaysia's name shine on the world stage!" he said.
ALSO READ: Smashing Liek Hou nails first gold for Malaysia in Paralympics
Malaysians also took to social media to congratulate Liek Hou on his winning effort.
"Definitely unstoppable when he has the burning desire to win gold medal again after his success in the previous Paralympics...Mr Cheah you are awesome," user @annielau_2766 said on Instagram.
User @ckl_image also thanked Liek Hou for his efforts, saying: "Congratulations Cheah. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and determination to bring glory and victory!"
On Facebook, user @Siva Kanapathy called for Liek Hou to be rewarded as a professional player who had brought glory to the nation.
Another Facebook user using the handle @Ming Lye Chan said that kudos and respect should be given to Liek Hou and all Paralympians for their efforts.
"Kudos and respect to him and all Paralympians! Their (sic) overcoming their handicaps, difficulties and even go on to win medals deserve more respect!" the user said.
Kita beroleh pingat emas pertama di #Paralympic2024! Lebih membanggakan kerana saudara Cheah Liek Hou berjaya mempertahankan pingat emas yang dirangkul pada Paralimpik lalu. Tahniah! Saudara mengharumkan nama Malaysia di persada dunia!#KitaSemuaTeamMAS https://t.co/srrDqbM0ZR — Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) September 2, 2024
