BAM willing to let Liek Hou train with national players

KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has no objection to para badminton singles champion Cheah Liek Hou's desire to train with the national players in his preparation for the Tokyo Paralympic Games next year.

BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh said the national body is prepared to accommodate Liek Hou's wish to test his strength against normal athletes in order to gauge his true ability.

However, Kenny said this proposal needed careful study to ensure that it is beneficial for Liek Hou, who has shown good progress after returning to train under former great Rashid Sidek in June.

“We have no problems with his wish but just want to ensure it is carefully planned to give a winwin situation,” he told reporters after a working committee meeting of para athletics and para badminton with the National Sports Council (NSC) yesterday.

Liek Hou has won several international titles including the SU5 (upper body handicap) at the Brazil and Peru International Para Badminton Championships 2020 and is a gold medal prospect for the Tokyo Games.

According to Kenny, several other players are also medal prospects in badminton, which will be making its debut in the Paralympic Games.

“We are targeting gold for Liek Hou. Based on our analysis, we have identified the shortcomings of the players and will take steps to overcome them,” he added.

The 2020 Paralympic Games have been postponed from Aug 25-Sept 6 this year to Aug 24Sept 5 next year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.