Para Champion Cheah Liek Hou Wins 16th World Title

When family and friends asked Cheah Liek Hou about his Chinese New Year plans last month, the para badminton champion had one answer: he couldn't think about celebrations yet. His focus was locked on winning gold at the World Championships in Bahrain, and everything else would have to wait.

That single-minded dedication paid off beautifully. The 37-year-old Malaysian athlete captured his ninth men's singles SU5 crown (for upper body impairment) before teaming up with Faris Ahmad Azri to secure his seventh doubles title on Saturday.

With 16 world championship titles now to his name, Liek Hou finally made it home on Sunday with just one day to prepare for the Lunar New Year. But the rushed preparations didn't bother him one bit.

"I was so focused on training because I really wanted the title as I was hungry for it," Liek Hou explained. He admitted this year's celebration would be simple, mostly at home with his wife Dewi Febriana Tan, but the hard-earned victories made it extra meaningful.

The champion had competed at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand just last month, where he and Faris took silver after losing to an Indonesian pair. "The conditions there weren't ideal, and I just wanted to move forward from that tournament," he said.

Why This Inspires

Liek Hou's story shows what happens when someone decides what truly matters and commits completely. At 37, when many athletes wind down their careers, he's still chasing goals with the hunger of a newcomer.

His success also highlights the power of consistent support. Liek Hou expressed deep gratitude to the National Sports Council, the Badminton Association of Malaysia, and his sponsors who have stood by him throughout his career.

After his well-deserved break celebrating with family, Liek Hou will return to competition at the Spanish International in Toledo from March 25 to 29, proving that champions never truly stop chasing excellence.