Asian Para Games: India’s medal storm! 24 medals, 5 golds as Nishad, Deepthi shine

Malaysia is poised to secure their first badminton gold at the Asian Para Games in Ichinomiya City. Cheah Liek Hou-Faris Azri is just one match away from achieving this milestone in the SU5 men's doubles final round-robin against South Korea's Jeon Sun Woo-Kim Ge Yeon. The Malaysian duo have been unbeaten thus far, triumphing over Taiwan's Fang Jen Yu-Pu Gui Yu and Thailand's Pricha Somsiri-Nattaphon Thaweesap.

Two-time Paralympic champion Liek Hou emphasized the significance of winning the men's doubles gold. He stated, "We have already won two matches and will go all out against the Koreans. We didn't win gold at the Hangzhou Games, so this is very important for us." However, the schedule presents an additional challenge, as Liek Hou will also compete in a singles quarter-final against Faris prior to the doubles match.

Liek Hou explained, "It was unavoidable after Faris finished his group matches and was drawn to play against me." Despite the added pressure, he sees the situation as a "blessing in disguise," as having Faris in the semi-finals ensures a confirmed medal for Malaysia in singles.

Their coach, Nova Armada, remains unfazed by the draw. He believes Liek Hou would have faced greater challenges had he been drawn against Taiwan's Jen Yu, who had defeated Faris to top Group B. Armada confidently predicted, "The singles will be played first, and I believe Liek Hou will be a bit too strong for Faris. So, it is a straightforward situation." He further noted that if Liek Hou had faced Fang in the singles, he would have been fatigued for the doubles against the Koreans.