Even legends face their toughest opponents, and for Paralympic badminton king Cheah Liek Hou, that challenger recently appeared to be time itself. The Malaysian hero, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, experienced a rare double defeat at the Asean Para Games (APG), sparking an honest reflection on the physical toll of elite-level competition.
Key Points:
- Cheah Liek Hou suffered double defeats in the men's singles and doubles SU5 finals at the Asean Para Games.
- Indonesia's rising star Dheva Andrimusthi claimed both titles, defeating Liek Hou in singles and then partnering to beat him in doubles.
- Liek Hou, 38, attributed his struggles to age and exhaustion as factors in his recovery after a grueling semi-final match.
- The Malaysian star is now laser-focused on defending his singles gold at the upcoming Para World Championships in Bahrain.
A Shifting Landscape in Para-Badminton
The recent Asean Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima delivered a shockwave for Malaysian fans, with national icon Cheah Liek Hou falling short in both the men's singles and doubles SU5 finals. This marks a significant moment, as Liek Hou has long dominated the sport.
Dheva Andrimusthi's Ascendancy
Indonesia's Dheva Andrimusthi, a formidable opponent and three-time world champion, proved to be Liek Hou's nemesis on the day. Dheva first subdued the Malaysian in the singles final with a convincing 21-19, 21-15 victory. Later, he teamed up with Hafizh Brylliansyah to secure the doubles title, beating Liek Hou and Faris Azri 21-15, 21-11.
The Unseen Adversary: Age and Recovery
Post-match, Cheah Liek Hou offered a candid assessment, admitting that his age, at 38, is increasingly becoming a factor. The relentless schedule and intense matches are taking a heavier toll on his recovery time compared to younger rivals like Dheva Andrimusthi, who is 28.
