Cheah Liek Hou has once again brought pride to Malaysia by winning the country’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the badminton men’s singles SU5 category.
The 36-year-old secured his victory in a 41-minute match against Indonesia’s Suryo Nugroho, with scores of 21-13 and 21-15, successfully defending his Paralympic title from the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
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Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh captured the nation’s sentiment in a heartfelt Instagram post, celebrating the shuttler’s triumph and the pride of hearing Malaysia’s national anthem, Negaraku, echo through the prestigious arena. In recognition of his achievements, the government will reward Cheah with RM1 million through the National Sports Incentive Scheme (Shakam) and a lifetime monthly allowance of RM5,000 under the Skim Insentif Sukan Olimpik (SITO).
Who is Cheah Liek Hou?
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Cheah Liek Hou’s journey to the podium is a tale of resilience and relentless passion. Born in Kuala Lumpur with Erb’s Palsy affecting his right shoulder, he grew up facing the challenges of a physical impairment that many thought would limit his potential. But even as a child, Cheah refused to let his condition define him. With a racket in hand, he chased shuttles across makeshift courts—yards, alleys, and streets—where gusts of wind played opponent, molding a distinctive, dynamic play style that would later captivate the world.
His mother, Jap Joe Tjin, was the first to spot the spark in her son. She fueled his dreams, encouraging him to pursue formal training at the Bukit Jalil Sports School. By 15, Cheah had already joined the National Youth Team, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Alongside his athletic pursuits, Cheah also excelled academically, earning a degree in corporate communication and initially balancing his passion for badminton with a career as a regional strategic account manager. But when the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games opened its doors to badminton, Cheah made a life-changing decision by leaving the corporate world behind to dedicate himself entirely to the sport he loved.
Under the expert guidance of coaches Nova Armada and Datuk Rashid Sidek, he underwent a transformative journey, shedding up to 20kg and sculpting his stamina to peak condition. His commitment paid off spectacularly; Cheah became a force of nature on the court, sweeping up 14 world championship titles and winning all 33 matches he entered this year alone. His collection of accolades spans beyond the Paralympics, with numerous medals from the Asian Para Games and ASEAN Para Games solidifying his legacy as a para-badminton icon.
The Malaysian shuttler’s inspiring journey has also been captured on film in the Malaysian production Gold, directed by Adrian Teh. The movie, which hit theaters earlier this year, stars Jack Tan as Cheah and Farid Kamil as his coach Rashid. Initially, Cheah was hesitant about turning his life story into a movie, uncertain if it would connect with viewers. However, Teh’s persuasive efforts and in-depth interviews with both Cheah and Rashid ultimately convinced him to bring the story to the big screen.
From the streets of Kuala Lumpur to the world’s grandest stages, Cheah Liek Hou’s story is a vivid testament to the power of perseverance and the magic of dreaming big. He is more than a champion; he’s a beacon of hope, a master of his craft, and a reminder that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves.
(Hero and feature images credit: Kiyoshi Ota/ Getty Images)
