Para‑badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou has officially become Malaysia’s most successful individual athlete, securing a record‑breaking ninth world title at the 2026 BWF Para Badminton World Championships in Manama, Bahrain.
His latest triumph surpasses the eight world titles held by squash legend Datuk Nicol David, marking a defining moment in Malaysian sports history.
Cheah sealed the historic milestone with a dominant performance in the men’s singles SU5 final, defeating Taiwan’s Fang Jen Yu 21–6, 21–11.
“This title is very important to me because I managed to defend it and become the first Malaysian to win nine world titles,” he said.
“I am very proud of myself because I managed to maintain my condition throughout the six or seven days of competition and use the right strategy in both finals.”
Dominance across multiple eras
The win adds another chapter to a remarkable two‑decade career, with world titles previously won in 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2022, and 2024. His sustained dominance across multiple eras of para‑badminton places him in a class of his own, both locally and globally.
Cheah’s success in Bahrain extended beyond the singles court. Teaming up with Mohamad Faris Ahmad Azri, he captured the men’s doubles SU5 world title, defeating Taiwan’s duo Fang Jen Yu–Pu Gui Yu 23–21, 21–13. This doubles victory marked his seventh world title in the category.
Today, with nine world titles, two Paralympic gold medals, and numerous international accolades, Cheah Liek Hou stands unmatched as Malaysia’s most decorated individual athlete.
Congratulations Cheah Liek Hou!
Also read: Paralympic Gold Medallist Cheah Liek Hou Wants to Donate Part of His RM1 Million Reward to Charity
