At 37, Malaysian legend Cheah Liek Hou stood at the summit of BAHRAIN BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026 in Manama, Bahrain, calm and composed, as if collecting world titles were simply part of his weekend routine.
“I feel good,” he said almost gently, after winning his 16th world crown on Saturday.
Earlier that day, he claimed his ninth men’s singles world title, defeating Chinese Taipei’s world No.3 Fang Jen Yu 21-6 21-11 in commanding fashion.
Cheah had expected a battle – their last meeting at the Japan Para Badminton International in November had stretched into a gruelling three-game, hour-plus duel.
“I thought it would be tough,” he admitted. “Last time, very long match. I’m proud of my game today.”
Pride, for a man who first lifted a world title in 2005, is not loud. It is measured in footwork, discipline and a shuttle struck cleanly at the perfect angle.
Two hours later, Cheah returned to court – this time alongside compatriot Mohamad Faris Ahmad Azri in the SU5 doubles final. Ranked world No.28, they faced the formidable world No.3 combination of Fang and Pu Gui Yu.
They edged the first game 23-21 in a nerve-shredding exchange of momentum, then surged through the second 21-13. Two finals, two gold medals, one enduring champion.
Yet the road to Bahrain had not been smooth.
Just two weeks earlier at the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, Cheah had struggled. The facilities and conditions unsettled him and his body did not respond the way it usually did. Recovery took nearly a week – precious days lost before a World Championship – leaving him with very little time to reset physically and mentally.
He narrowed his focus, leaned heavily on discussions with his coach and finetuned the smallest details of his preparation.
This title felt special not because it was the ninth in singles but because it nearly wasn’t.
“This could be my last World Championships. Maybe because of my age factor,” Cheah, who turns 38 next month, said candidly afterward.
“If everything goes smooth … hopefully no serious injury … maybe I can go until LA28.”
Even if he doesn’t, Cheah’s love story with the World Championships will be told for generations to come.
And somewhere between his first and 16th title, between youth and legacy, Cheah proved that greatness is not a moment.
It is a habit.
WHAT OTHERS SAID
“I feel so emotional because I’ve been waiting four years to get back this title. I’m glad to share this with all the players around the world playing badminton for France.” – Lucas Mazur on reclaiming the crown he lost two years ago in Pattaya
“It’s a dream come true, especially because my age is increasing and my son is nine years old. I think I’m an old warrior who’s not old yet.” – China’s SH6 star Li Feng Mei, the only standing player to claim three gold medals, a feat she repeated for the second consecutive edition
“Lin Dan is my idol and I’ve won one more world title in singles than him now. I’m over the moon and I’m proud of myself. I thank my idol.” – Pramod Bhagat, who captured his sixth SL3 singles gold alongside a third SL3-SU5 doubles title (with Sukant Kadam)
“I wanted to play with no pressure but now I realise if I don’t have pressure in me, I can’t play. I need psych myself up. I lost because I was so dull on court.” – SL3 women’s singles runner-up Mariam Eniola Bolaji after losing to Shino Kawai 21-14 21-17
Li all smiles after winning the SH6 women’s singles final.
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