Cheah Liek Hou

Cheah Liek Hou is a Malaysian para-badminton player who has redefined excellence in the sport. Born on March 8, 1988, in Kuala Lumpur, he competes in the SU5 classification, which is for athletes with upper limb impairments. Cheah made history at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics by winning the gold medal in men's singles SU5, becoming the first Malaysian to medal in para-badminton at the Games. He successfully defended his title at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, becoming the first para-badminton player to win back-to-back Paralympic golds in the event.

Beyond the Paralympics, his trophy cabinet is staggering: 16 World Championship titles across SU5 singles and doubles, making him one of the most decorated para-badminton players ever. As of 2026, he continues to compete at the highest level, holding the world number one ranking in his category. Off the court, Cheah is known for his calm demeanor and relentless work ethic, traits that have made him a national hero and an inspiration to aspiring athletes with disabilities. [edit]

Cheah Liek Hou was born in Kuala Lumpur with Erb's palsy, a congenital condition affecting his left arm. Despite this, he took up badminton at a young age, inspired by his father, who was a former national player. Growing up, he trained diligently, often practicing with his able-bodied peers, which helped him develop a deceptive style that relies on quick footwork and precise shot placement.

He competed in his first international tournament in 2003, at the age of 15, marking the beginning of his para-badminton career. The early years were challenging, as the sport was not yet a Paralympic event, and funding and recognition were scarce. Cheah balanced training with part-time work to support himself, often traveling to tournaments at his own expense. Despite these hurdles, he quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first World Championship title in 2005 in the men's doubles SU5 event.

His breakthrough on the international stage came in the late 2000s, when he established himself as a dominant force in both singles and doubles. By the time para-badminton was announced as a Paralympic sport for the 2020 Tokyo Games, Cheah had already amassed a collection of world titles and was considered a top contender for gold. [edit]

Cheah Liek Hou's career reached its peak at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where he won the gold medal in men's singles SU5, defeating Indonesia's Dheva Anrimusthi in the final. This historic victory made him the first Malaysian to win a medal in para-badminton at the Paralympics. He followed this with another gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, becoming the first player to win back-to-back Paralympic titles in the event.

His dominance extends to the World Championships, where he has won a record nine singles titles and six doubles titles. In February 2026, he secured his ninth singles world title at the Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain, also taking the doubles gold with partner Mohamad Faris. In November 2025, he swept both singles and doubles titles at the Japan Para Badminton International. After a three-month break, he returned in May 2026 to win double gold in France.

As of 2026, Cheah remains the world number one in SU5 singles and continues to inspire a new generation of para-athletes in Malaysia. [edit]

Cheah Liek Hou is widely regarded as a national hero in Malaysia, celebrated for his resilience and sportsmanship. His calm, composed demeanor on court contrasts with his fierce competitiveness, earning him respect from fans and rivals alike. He is often seen with a gentle smile, and his humility in victory has endeared him to the public. Malaysian media frequently highlight his achievements as a beacon of hope for people with disabilities. He is also known for his disciplined lifestyle, often sharing training routines on social media. His Instagram account, with over 46,000 followers, offers a glimpse into his daily life, mixing training clips with family moments. [edit]

Cheah Liek Hou's supporters, a passionate subset of the Malaysian sports public, have yet to coalesce under a formal fandom name. They gather primarily around his verified Instagram account, @cheahliekhou4956, where 46.3K followers track his world No. 1 status and competitive updates. While no organized campaigns, such as birthday billboards or charity drives, are documented, his victories consistently spark national pride, with local media amplifying his milestones. The Malaysian public has collectively crowned him the "new GOAT of Malaysian sports," a sentiment that underpins his cultural resonance.

As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Cheah Liek Hou but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, whether the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This absence from ranked lists does not diminish his stature; rather, it reflects the engine's focus on global mass-market fame, where para-sport athletes rarely achieve the same search and media volume as mainstream celebrities. His renown, while profound within Malaysia and the badminton world, remains concentrated in a niche yet fervent audience.

The legends surrounding Cheah are anchored in verifiable feats. His historic gold at Tokyo 2020, the first in para-badminton history, and his repeat at Paris 2024, a back-to-back unprecedented in the event, form the core of his lore. His 16 World Championship titles, including a ninth men's singles SU5 crown in February 2026 at age 37, cement a narrative of relentless excellence. Yet the most inspirational thread is his lifelong battle with Erb's palsy, which he has overcome since beginning badminton at age nine. This story of triumph over adversity is the tale fans retell first, framing his career as a reflection of human resilience.[edit]

Cheah Liek Hou's Instagram handle, @cheahliekhou4956, incorporates his lucky number 4956. Before matches, he listens to Malay pop music to stay relaxed. In 2021, he was featured on a Malaysian postage stamp celebrating his Paralympic victory. An ardent Manchester United fan, he enjoys video games in his spare time and holds a black belt in taekwondo, which he took up as a child to improve coordination.

A story fans still retell is his historic Tokyo 2020 gold, when he became the first-ever Paralympic champion in para-badminton, a moment that instantly elevated him to national hero status. His Paris 2024 defense, where he became the first para-badminton player to win back-to-back Paralympic golds, further cemented his legend. In February 2026, at age 37, he captured his ninth men's singles SU5 World Championship title in Bahrain, making him Malaysia's most successful individual athlete of all time, a feat that local press dubbed a "relentless reign." His lifelong battle with Erb's palsy, which affects his left arm, has become a cornerstone of his mythology, with fans marveling at how he began playing at age nine despite his impairment.[edit]

Cheah Liek Hou's father, Cheah Seng Kim, was a former national badminton player who introduced him to the sport at a young age. His mother, Lim Bee Lan, has been a constant source of support, often accompanying him to international tournaments in his early career. He has an older brother, Cheah Liek Wei, who also played badminton at the state level. Cheah is married to Low Siew Ling, a former national gymnast, and the couple has two children, a son and a daughter. The family resides in Kuala Lumpur, where Cheah runs a small badminton academy for young para-athletes. [edit]

Cheah Liek Hou's doubles partner in recent years has been Mohamad Faris, with whom he won the world title in February 2026. He is also closely associated with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), which has supported his training and competitions. His coach, Rashid Sidek, a former national singles player, has been instrumental in his career since 2019. [edit]

Cheah Liek Hou is married to Low Siew Ling, a former national gymnast. The couple tied the knot in 2015 after dating for several years. They have two children together. Cheah has kept his personal life largely private, but he has occasionally shared family moments on social media. As of 2026, he remains married to Low, and the family resides in Kuala Lumpur. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Cheah Liek Hou's net worth at $1 million. His income derives primarily from national sports scholarships, tournament prize money, and endorsement deals. As a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, he receives a substantial monthly allowance from the Malaysian government under the National Sports Council's incentive scheme. He also earns from appearances and speaking engagements. In 2024, he signed a sponsorship deal with a major Malaysian sports brand, adding to his earnings. His net worth has grown steadily since his first Paralympic gold in 2020, with prize money and bonuses from the government and private companies. As of 2026, his financial standing reflects his status as one of Malaysia's most successful athletes.[edit]

Cheah Liek Hou has won 16 World Championship titles and two Paralympic gold medals, making him one of the most decorated para-badminton players in history. [edit]