Cheah Liek Hou
Cheah Liek Hou is a Malaysian para-badminton player. He is a two-time [List of List of Paralympic medalists in badminton|Paralympic medalists in badminton|Paralympic] gold medalist and a 14-time [BWF Para-Badminton BWF Para-Badminton World Championships|World Championships|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
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.Honours
- Malaysia
- * Officer of the Order of the Defender of the Realm