KUALA LUMPUR: Although Cheah Liek Hou is a better para-shuttler than his rival Dheva Andrumusthi of Indonesia in the SU5 category, the Malaysian often loses the advantage due to weight issues.
The 32-year-old has to control his diet and work on his tactics if he wishes to strike gold at next year's Tokyo Paralympics.
Coach Rashid Sidek, who has been coaching Liek Hou since March, said the 32-year-old can easily gain weight if not kept in check.
Badminton will make its debut in the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug 24-Sept 5 next year.
Liek Hou has been on a strict diet since March and has reduced his weight from 75kg to 65kg.
"In terms of skill and tactics, Liek Hou is better than Dheva. However, the Indonesian is fitter as he is only 22 years old," said Rashid.
"So, it is important for Liek Hou to be at his best physical condition for the Paralympics.
"He has done well to reduce his weight despite only working out at home since the government enforced the Movement Control Order (MCO) on March 18.
"He has also been following a strict diet, besides keeping fit at home. He will work on his game once he returns to training on June 1 at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Jalil."
Liek Hou said: "My main focus during MCO was to reduce weight. I am happy to have lost 10kg.
"When you are lighter an fitter, it is easier to play badminton.
"Rashid has reminded me to maintain my physical condition until next year's Paralympics as I will be playing against younger opponents," said Liek Hou.
Meanwhile, Rashid and Liek Hou will have to remain at ABM from June 1 to 30 during centralised training.
Liek Hou and Rashid are part of the Road to Tokyo programme.
"It is a precautionary measure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Staying for a month at ABM with Liek Hou is almost like competing in tournaments abroad.
"But this is something that we have to get used to after this," added Rashid.
Both Rashid and Liek Hou will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival on June 1 and will be tested again two weeks later.
