Kuala lumpur: Malaysian para badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou is almost certain to qualify for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games in the singles event based on his current ranking. The world number one expressed confidence in meeting the qualification criteria with the qualification period expected to end in July.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the situation is different for the doubles event, as his partner Mohamad Faris Ahmad Azri, who competes in the SU5 men's doubles category, still needs to accumulate qualifying points to secure a spot at the Asian Para Games in October. Liek Hou stated, "I think I have already qualified because I am currently world number one. For my doubles partner, he has not qualified yet. So he needs to push himself to win a few rounds in upcoming international tournaments."

Liek Hou emphasized that Mohamad Faris must perform better in two international tournaments in France and Ireland to improve his world ranking. If Mohamad Faris is unable to qualify, Liek Hou may instead focus fully on the SU5 singles event.

Commenting on his target at the Asian Para Games, Liek Hou aims to reclaim the SU5 singles gold medal, which he last won in the 2014 edition in South Korea. He remarked, "My target is to get back the gold medal in the singles event. In terms of preparation, it is very important for me to improve my physical condition. Now I feel there are a few things I need to fix to ensure I can be consistent."

The 2026 Asian Para Games are scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from Oct 18 to 24, with para badminton remaining one of the key medal sports for Malaysia.