Cheah Liek Hou, centre, is targeting success at Tokyo 2020 ©Twitter

Malaysian Para-badminton player Cheah Liek Hou has vowed to stay in shape to ensure he is at his best when the sport makes its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020.

Hou's coach Rashid Sidek believes he is more talented than Indonesia's Dheva Andrumusthi, one of his rivals in the SU5 category, but weight issues have hindered his development.

Hou said he had managed to lose 10 kilograms during the lockdown imposed by the Malaysian Government in response to the coronavirus crisis.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed until 2021 ©Getty Images
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed until 2021 ©Getty Images

"My main focus during the movement control order was to reduce weight," Hou said, according to the New Straits Times.

"When you are lighter and 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."

Badminton had been due to make its first appearance on the Paralympic programme at this year's Games in Tokyo, but the event has been postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics have been rescheduled for August 24 to September 5.