It’s a call for celebration after national para-shuttler Cheah Liek Hou (谢儮好) won gold in the badminton men’s single game at the Paris Paralympics 2024! Not only is this the first gold for Malaysia at this year’s games, but it’s also the Paralympic athlete’s second Paralympic gold.
Cheah Liek Hou went up against Indonesia’s Suryo Nugroho yesterday (2nd September 2024) in the men’s single SU5 (physical impairment) and successfully defended his gold medal. He showed his experience in the match, remaining calm throughout both games to win against the Indonesian shuttler 21-13, 21-15. The 36-year-old athlete previously won gold in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Many Malaysians have taken to social media to celebrate Cheah Liek Hou’s win. Many, including Prime Minister Anuar Ibrahim, thanked him for contributing another gold medal for Malaysia and making the country proud. Following his win, some netizens also voiced support for the athlete to be awarded a datukship for his contribution, saying it’s an apt recognition for him.
Unfortunately, fellow Paralympic shuttler Muhammad Fareez failed to secure the bronze medal in the men’s single after he lost 21-17, 19-21, 12-21 to Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi. Nevertheless, Fareez still received tons of support from Malaysians, with many thanking him for fighting for the country and winning back-to-back games during his Paralympic Games debut.
Cheah Liek Hou’s gold medal is the second medal contributed to Malaysia after sprinter Eddy Bernand won bronze in the men’s 100m T44 (physical impairment) on Sunday (1st September 2024). Once again, congratulations to our medalists for their wins and thank you for making Malaysia proud!
Sources: Twitter (1)(2), New Straits Times, The Star
