KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian para-badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou has been shortlisted for the prestigious BWF Player of the Year Awards 2024, making him the sole Malaysian nominee this year.
Competing in the Men’s Para Badminton Player of the Year category, Liek Hou faces stiff competition from Daiki Kajiwara (WH2), Qu Zimo (WH1), and Kumar Nitesh (SL3).
The SU5 specialist has enjoyed a stellar season, highlighted by his successful defence of the gold medal at the Paris Paralympics in September.
Earlier in February, he clinched the world champion title, further solidifying his status as one of the sport’s finest.
Adding to his achievements, Liek Hou also secured a gold medal in the men’s doubles event at the World Championships, partnering with Fareez Annuar.
On the Para Badminton World Circuit, he impressed with three title wins this season—at the Spanish Para Badminton International I and II and the 4 Nations Para-Badminton International in Glasgow.
This is Liek Hou’s fourth nomination for the award since its inception in 2021, though he has yet to claim the honour.
“Honestly, I don’t think much about it because I’ve been nominated many times for this award, but luck hasn’t been on my side so far.
“In para badminton, there are many other outstanding players in different categories who are even more remarkable than me.
“So, it’s hard for me to say how it would feel to win. Let’s wait until I actually win, and maybe then I can share what it feels like to be the best player,” said Liek Hou when contacted by Scoop.
In addition to the para category, five other awards will also be presented, recognising the best player or pair in men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles
The winners will be announced during the BWF World Tour Finals 2024 Gala Dinner on December 9. — December 2, 2024