APG 2025: Liek Hou Settles For Silver In SU5 Singles Final

From Farah Najihah Zuraimi

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- National para badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou settled for silver after losing to Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi in the SU5 men’s singles final at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games (APG) here today.

In the 47-minute match, Liek Hou was unable to sustain his momentum and went down in straight sets, 19-21, 15-21.

Liek Hou said the defeat was largely due to slow physical recovery throughout the tournament as a result of the tightly packed competition schedule.

“My body was very sore and recovery was slow. In badminton, we compete over five to six consecutive days, so when sleep is insufficient and recovery is not at its best, it will inevitably affect performance in crucial matches,” he said.

However, Liek Hou described the result as part and parcel of competitive sport and said he is now fully focused on the upcoming 2026 Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain from Feb 7 to 14.

He added that this was his sixth or seventh appearance at the APG, having previously captured five titles, with his most recent victory was in Solo, Indonesia, in 2022.

Meanwhile, Liek Hou also added another silver medal to Malaysia’s tally after partnering Mohamad Faris Ahmad Azri in the SU5 men’s doubles event. However, the national pair went down to Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi and Hafizh Briliansyah in straight sets, 15-21, 11-21.

-- BERNAMA