KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — National para shuttler Muhammad Fareez Anuar is expected to reach an elite level similar to two-time Paralympic champion Cheah Liek Hou within the next two years.
This confidence was expressed by coach Nova Armada, who noted that Fareez has been training alongside Cheah, the gold medallist of the 2020 and 2024 Paralympics, with the main difference being in speed and skills.
“In my view, there is not much difference in the gameplay of Liek Hou and Fareez, but in terms of skills, Liek Hou is more superior despite being 36 years old.
“But I ask for two more years for Fareez to reach the same level of skill as Liek Hou,” he said in a recent interview.
Nova added that Fareez is also being targeted for a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, before aiming for his second Paralympic appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
The 28-year-old athlete is on the right track to become a formidable contender, especially against his main rival, Indonesia’s Dheva Anrimusthi, given his current age.
In his debut at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Fareez's hopes of securing a medal for Malaysia fell short after losing to Dheva in the men's singles SU5 (physical impairment) bronze medal match at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena in September.
— Bernama
