Tall order: The National Sports Council have set Cheah Liek Hou a gold across all major events – the APG (Asean Para Games), World Championships and Asian Para Games. Below: Nova Armada (back, left) and the Sports Affair club members.
PETALING JAYA: Five titles from seven tournaments have made 2025 one of para shuttler Cheah Liek Hou’s most consistent seasons to date.
Yet the bar has been raised even higher for next year, with the National Sports Council (NSC) setting an all-or-nothing gold standard across three major championships – the Asean Para Games from Jan 20-26 in Thailand, World Championships in Bahrain (Feb 7-14) and the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan (Oct 18-24).
Coach Nova Armada said the 36-year-old Paralympic gold medallist delivered exactly what was expected of him throughout the season.
“Liek Hou’s performance and achievements this year have met all of our expectations,” said Nova.
“We wanted him to reach world No. 1 and become champions in Level 1 competitions.
Coach with Midas touch: Cheah Liek Hou's coach Nova Armada (first from left in third row) posing with the Sports Affair club members.
“Seven tournaments and five wins – the remaining ones were part of our development plan for other players.
“For next year, the target is gold across all major events – the APG (Asean Para Games), World Championships and Asian Para Games.
“We’re not saying that it’s guaranteed, but that is NSC’s target for Liek Hou – gold.”
Liek Hou wrapped up his season on a strong note by sweeping both the singles and doubles titles at the Japan Para International last week.
The doubles win was particularly crucial as he needed the title with new partner Mohd Faris Azri to stay in contention for World Championships qualification in the event.
“They had to win the title in Japan,” said Nova.
“If not, they won’t qualify for the world meet in February. Even now that they won the title, the qualification is still 50-50.”
Liek Hou faces the possibility of not being able to reunite with his former partner, Mohd Fareez Anuar as the latter is currently sidelined by injury and the adjustments in the rules and regulations for SU5 classification from the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“NSC will make an announcement about Fareez in December,” said Nova.
“We still don’t know what the rules and regulations changes will be, so we have to wait until December.
“But this for sure will not affect Liek Hou’s eligibility in the same classification as his disability is from birth, not from an accident.”
