Liek Hou Close To Asian Para Games Berth

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysian para badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou is almost certain to qualify for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games in the singles event based on his current ranking.

The world number one said he is confident of meeting the qualification criteria based on his current standing, with the qualification period expected to end in July.

However, the situation is different for the doubles event, as his partner Mohamad Faris Ahmad Azri, who competes in the SU5 men’s doubles category, still needs to accumulate qualifying points to secure a spot at the Asian Para Games in October.

“I think I have already qualified because I am currently world number one.

“For my doubles partner, he has not qualified yet. So he needs to push himself to win a few rounds in upcoming international tournaments,” he told Bernama recently. 

Liek Hou said Mohamad Faris needs to perform better in two international tournaments in France and Ireland to improve his world ranking.

He said if Mohamad Faris is unable to qualify, he may instead focus fully on the SU5 singles event.

Commenting on his target at the Asian Para Games, Liek Hou said he is aiming to reclaim the SU5 singles gold medal, which he last won at the 2014 edition in South Korea.

“My target is to get back the gold medal in the singles event. In terms of preparation, it is very important for me to improve my physical condition. Now I feel there are a few things I need to fix to ensure I can be consistent,” he said.

The 2026 Asian Para Games are scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from Oct 18 to 24, with para badminton remaining one of the key medal sports for Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA