KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Though national para-badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou had a memorable 2024 season so far, including retaining his men’s singles SU5 (physical impairment) gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, his thirst for success remains unquenchable.
With an unbeaten record in all five competitions this year, including the Paralympic Games, Cheah has set his sights on capping off an incredible season with another victory by winning the Bahrain Para-Badminton International 2024 next month.
“I will try my best (to win Bahrain’s meet). After returning from Paris, there was no full training as I focused on resting and I am not sure of the preparation by other players.
“If my condition is okay before going to Bahrain, I am targeting to win the tournament and close the year with victories in all outings,” he told Bernama.
Last month, the world number one downed Indonesia’s Suryo Nugroho 21-13, 21-15 in 42 minutes to secure his second back-to-back Paralympic Games gold after Tokyo 2020.
Cheah views the upcoming Bahrain tournament as a crucial challenge, given its status as a top-tier event organised by the Badminton World Federation.
As such, the 36-year-old said he plans to return to full training in the middle of next month to gear up for the final showdown of the year, slated to take place from December 11 to December 15 in Manama.
Despite not training vigorously post-Paris 2024, the eight-time world champion admitted he truly relished the much-needed break.
“I took the opportunity to skip two tournaments after Paris 2024, even though there was training, it was not so intensive. I just want to relax the body and mind apart from managing some personal matters,” Cheah said.
To top it off, the Kuala Lumpur-born shuttler said he has exciting travel plans before returning to training.
Apart from the Paris 2024 gold medal, Cheah clinched four titles: the 2024 BWF Para Badminton World Championships, the Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 I and II, as well as the 4 Nations Para Badminton International 2024.
— Bernama
