Cheah Liek Hou has rewritten Malaysian sporting history after becoming the country’s most successful individual athlete with a record-breaking performance at the 2026 BWF Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain.
By winning the men’s singles SU5 title, Liek Hou secured his ninth individual world championship crown, surpassing the long-standing national record of eight titles held by squash legend Nicol David. The achievement places him at the top of Malaysia’s all-time list for individual world titles.
The 38-year-old delivered a dominant display in the final against Taiwan’s Fang Jen Yu, winning 21-6, 21-11 to underline his authority on the world stage. The victory also extended his flawless record against Fang, further highlighting his consistency at elite level.
Reflecting on the milestone, Liek Hou said the record meant a great deal to him, especially after managing his fitness carefully in the lead-up to the tournament. He had prioritised recovery earlier in the season to ensure he could perform at his best in Bahrain.
His success marked another chapter in a career defined by longevity, discipline and sustained excellence. Over more than a decade, Liek Hou has remained a dominant force in para-badminton, setting benchmarks that few athletes in the country have matched.
The world championship triumph also reinforced Malaysia’s growing reputation in para-sports, with Liek Hou continuing to serve as a leading figure and role model for younger athletes.
Source: Harian Metro
Later in the tournament, Liek Hou added further silverware by capturing the men’s doubles SU5 title with partner Faris Ahmad Azri, completing a highly successful campaign and further strengthening his legacy.
With his latest record now secured, Liek Hou is expected to turn his focus towards future international events as he looks to extend his remarkable career.
