Liek Hou warms up Paris Paralympics by winning eighth world title

Cheah Liek Hou is warming up for the upcoming Paris Paralympics in fine fashion after the national para-shuttler won his eighth world title after seeing off his Indonesian arch-rival Dheva Anrimusthi in three close games.

Cheah battled hard against Anrimusthi before securing the 21-15, 16-21, 21-15 triumph on Sunday, over the same opponent whom he also beat to win the Tokyo Paralympics gold medal in 2021.

In doing so, the 35-year-old also avenged his loss to Anrimusthi at last year’s Asian Para-Games badminton final.

Cheah, who has now beaten his rival eight times over 15 meetings, added to his previous world titles won in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2022.

There was double joy for the KL-born who also won the para-doubles title with Fareez Anuar after they defeated Indian pair Chirag Baretha-Raj Kumar 21-17, 21-18.

Cheah's stock will continue to rise as he will also have a biopic movie titled Gold released mid this year, which showcases the para-shuttler’s rise to glory.

The movie is set to star Jack Tan who will play Cheah, while prominent Malaysian actor Farid Kamil will play the role of Rashid Sidek who is Cheah’s coach.