Malaysian Duo Clinch Para Badminton World Championship Gold

Manama, Bahrain – Faris Ahmad Azri and Cheah Liek Hou of Malaysia have secured the men’s doubles SU5 (upper body impairment) title at the 2026 BWF Para Badminton World Championships, defeating Taiwan’s Fan Jen-yu and Pu Gui-yu in a decisive match on Saturday.

Breakthrough Victory for Faris Ahmad Azri

The Malaysian pair dominated the final at Isa Sports City, winning with scores of 21-11 and 21-11. This victory marks a significant milestone for Faris Ahmad Azri, who had previously earned a bronze medal in 2019 and a silver medal in 2022. “I’m so thankful for the win. It’s something I have dreamed of for a long time,” said the 32-year-old Faris. “It’s the highest achievement in my badminton career, and I did it all for the country and my family.”

A Renewed Partnership

Faris and Liek Hou had previously competed together but separated after the 2022 championships. Liek Hou then partnered with Mohd Fareez Anuar. However, due to a change in regulations for the SU5 classification by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) last year, and following an injury to Fareez, Liek Hou rejoined forces with Faris. Their reunion proved immediately successful, with a victory at the Japan Para International last November.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite their success in Japan, the pair faced a setback at the ASEAN Para Games last month, finishing as runners-up to Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi and Hafizh Briliansyah. Faris acknowledged the pressure he felt during the World Championships, but credited Liek Hou with providing crucial guidance and support. “It took some time to get used to each other again. At the world meet, I felt the pressure, especially at the start of the matches, but with Liek Hou helped and guided me,” he explained.

Cheah Liek Hou’s Continued Dominance

This win represents Cheah Liek Hou’s seventh men’s doubles SU5 world title and adds to his impressive collection of 16 world championships including his ninth singles title won on the same day against Fang Jen-Yu with a score of 21-6, 21-11 Badminton Planet. Liek Hou expressed his pride in Faris’s achievement, stating, “He deserves it. And I hope with this first title, Faris will maintain his performance.”

Key Takeaways

• Faris Ahmad Azri and Cheah Liek Hou won the men’s doubles SU5 title at the 2026 BWF Para Badminton World Championships.
• This is Faris Ahmad Azri’s first world championship title.
• Cheah Liek Hou now has a total of 16 world championship titles.
• The pair overcame challenges, including a previous split and a recent silver medal at the ASEAN Para Games, to achieve this victory.

This victory underscores Malaysia’s strength in para badminton and sets the stage for continued success in future competitions.