KUALA LUMPUR — National para-badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou will contribute a portion of his Sports Victory Prize Scheme (Shakam) incentive in collaboration with the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) to support former national athletes.
The 36-year-old, a 14-time World Champion, received RM1 million from the National Sports Council (NSC) for winning gold in the SU5 (physical impairment) category at the Paris Paralympics.
In addition to his Paris 2024 gold, Liek Hou claimed four other titles this year — the Para World Championships, the Spanish Para International I and II, and the 4 Nations Para International.
Liek Hou shared that his coaching team is also planning to establish an academy to nurture future para-badminton players.
“With the funds I’ve received, there’s a lot I can do. I will use a small percentage for charity and work with Yakeb to help former athletes facing difficult times.
“I’ll also be discussing with my team, the Youth and Sports Ministry, and the NSC to plan for the academy, which aims to identify and develop more para-badminton talent nationwide. My team and I will be travelling to each state to implement this plan,” said Liek Hour during the Shakam event at Dorsett Hotel yesterday.
Liek Hou also praised his compatriot Fareez Anuar’s progress, hoping to see him represent Malaysia at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
“Fareez has been putting in the effort, and I’m happy with his progress. If he continues this momentum, he’ll surely improve in the years ahead.
“I’m pleased to have someone to share the responsibility in my category, and I hope to see him join me at the LA 2028,” he added.
Malaysian athletes and their coaches collectively received RM3.6 million through the Shakam scheme.
Besides Liek Hou, para-powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin received RM1 million for his gold in the 72kg event in Paris and RM20,000 for setting a new world record of 232kg.
Paralympic long jumper Abdul Latif Romly (men’s T20) and shot putter Ziyad Zolkefli (men’s F20) each received RM300,000 for winning silver in their respective categories, while Eddy Bernard earned RM100,000 for winning bronze in the 100m (men’s T44).
Men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia and men’s doubles team Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik each received RM100,000 for their Olympic bronze medals. — October 26, 2024
