PETALING JAYA: Cheah Liek Hou proved that it doesn’t take long for a champion to rebound from a setback and the Paralympics gold medallist has done that without a fuss in Spain.
Liek Hou was shocked by Dheva Anrimusthi in the Level 2 Spanish Para International final in Vitoria two weeks ago.
Determined to overcome the sub zero climate and the shock defeat, he was quick to assess the situation and turn his form around in the Level 1 Spanish Para International in Toledo on Sunday and even a bout of flu wasn’t able to stop the Malaysian.
“Playing in sub zero temperature is a new experience for me and I have learnt a lot playing in these two tournaments in Spain,” said Liek Hou.
“I’ve never played in such cold weather before. The temperature was down to -3°C in Vitoria last week.
“It was so cold that my hands started getting numb and I couldn’t hold the shuttle properly while serving.
“But in Toledo, heaters were available at the stadium and it was a bit warmer and I could play better despite the flu.”
Although proving he is still the player to beat, Liek Hou said he is not thinking too far ahead about winning the Asian Para Games gold in Hangzhou (Oct 22-28).
Although he beat his nemesis Dheva twice – in a group match (29-27, 21-16) and in the semi-finals (21-17, 21-9) – in Toledo, Liek Hou wants to focus on the coming tournaments and maintain his condition.
“I have experienced how the drastic change of weather can affect my performance and as I am not getting any younger, I must look after my physical condition. The Asian Para Games is just another seven months away,” added Liek Hou.
“All I know is I have a fight in my hands and most of the top players are from Asia.
“For now, I will be playing in the coming tournaments which are part of the Paralympic qualifiers and also see how is my condition when it gets near the Asian Para.”
Liek Hou, who turns 34 tomorrow, is looking forward to winning the Brazil Para International in Sao Paolo from April 10-16 and is also looking to play at least eight tournaments this year.
His coach Nova Armada is not too worried about Liek Hou’s condition but believes that he must not be put under tremendous pressure as his ultimate goal is to defend the gold in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
“Liek Hou’s condition is good but he should not be under so much pressure in his run-up to the 2024 Paralympics,” said Nova.
“At Like Hou’s age, it is more about maintaining his condition and choosing the right amount of tournaments to ensure he performs consistently.”
