Cheah Liek Hou


Cheah Liek Hou is a Malaysian para-badminton player. He is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and a 14-time World champion at both SU5 singles and doubles events. He won the gold medal in the men's singles SU5 event at the 2020 and 2024 Summer Paralympics, making him the first Malaysian athlete to win a medal in para-badminton. He is the first-ever Paralympic champion in para-badminton.

Early life

Cheah was born with Erb's palsy, which causes his right hand to have less strength and stability. He took up badminton when he was nine. He later competed against able-bodied badminton players and joined the able-bodied squad when he was 12 years old. He completed his pre-university education in Bukit Jalil Sports School. He competed in both able-bodied and para-badminton tournaments before exclusively competing in the latter upon obtaining his degree.

Personal life

Cheah is married to Dewi Febriana Tan. He has a degree in corporate communications awarded by Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Achievements

Paralympic Games

Men's singles SU5

World Championships

Men's singles SU5

Men's doubles SU5

Asian Para Games

Men's singles SU5

Men's doubles SU5

Asian Championships

Men's singles SU5

Men's doubles SU5

ASEAN Para Games

Men's singles SU5

Men's doubles SU5

Mixed doubles SL3–SU5

BWF Para Badminton World Circuit (27 titles, 2 runners-up)

The BWF Para Badminton World Circuit – Grade 2, Level 1, 2 and 3 tournaments has been sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation from 2022.

Men's singles SU5

Men's doubles SU5

International tournaments (from 2011–2021) (35 titles, 6 runners-up)

Men's singles SU5

Men's doubles SU5

Honours

Cheah's story of winning the gold medal in the 2020 Summer Paralympics was immortalised in the 2024 Malaysian film directed by Adrian Teh, Gold, starring Jack Tan as his titular role.