Liek Hou matches Nicol David's eight world titles, found out from reporter

Cheah bagged two world titles at the recent Para Badminton World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand after he also won the doubles title with Fareez Anuar.

But it was his victory in his pet singles event (SU5 – upper body impairment) over arch-rival Dheva Anrimusthi that put him on par with national squash queen Nicol.

“To be honest, I did not know I matched Nicol’s achievement until a reporter mentioned it to me. I was pleasantly surprised! Now we are on the same level with eight world titles. I’m proud of myself, this is not an easy record to achieve.

“It is a milestone and history for the country,” said Cheah, who admitted chasing an eighth world title this year was not on his mind.

“If I thought of chasing the title, I might have been distracted. So I just kept focused and took every match as it came.”

Fareez also paid tribute to his 35-year-old partner for his guidance and support.

“Cheah has taught me a lot and gave me valuable advice. He may be stern during training, but it was helpful for me to learn and grow,” said the para-shuttler.

In total, Cheah has now accumulated 14 world titles that includes his six gold medals in the para-doubles. The ambitious para-shuttler has also not discounted playing in able-bodied events.

“If I am asked to compete in able-bodied events, I will give that a shot too,” he added.

Malaysia’s first badminton Paralympics gold medalist will next prepare to defend his gold medal at the Paris Paralympics which begins on August 28.