Source:REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
[Saba Sports News] Malaysian para-badminton player Cheah Liek Hou, currently competing in the China Para-Badminton International, recently criticized the Malaysian Paralympic Council during a media interview. He believes the council showed poor planning by holding an award ceremony while knowing athletes were still competing. He also expressed frustration over a last-minute reduction in bonus money. At the Paris Paralympics last August, Cheah successfully defended his title in the men’s singles SU5 category. Cheah believes the Malaysian Paralympic Council should take responsibility, stating, “The Malaysian Paralympic Council should be responsible because once the bonus amount is announced publicly, they should first ensure the sponsors’ commitments are fulfilled. How can they announce one figure first and then say it’s reduced later? I’m worried more sponsors might promise and then backtrack in the future.” Cheah Liek Hou started playing badminton at age 9 and competed against able-bodied players from age 12. He joined the national junior team in 2003. Later, he switched to the national para-badminton team. He almost gave up on becoming a professional player and worked full-time as a marketing executive around 2015. When badminton was listed as an official Paralympic sport, he resolutely abandoned his career to fully pursue his Paralympic dream, ultimately achieving his wish.