[Watch] China's Huang Ya Qiong receives surprise marriage proposal after winning mixed doubles badminton gold at Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics is in full swing with extraordinary athletic achievements being displayed. It has also garnered attention for heartwarming personal moments that have caught audiences' eyes.
One such moment includes China's mixed doubles badminton athlete, Huang Ya Qiong, who experienced a golden victory and an unexpected proposal in a single day.
Check out the moment below:
After the medal ceremony at the La Chapelle Arena, the unforgettable moment unfolded. Liu Yuchen, a fellow Chinese badminton player and Huang Ya Qiong's boyfriend, stepped onto the arena floor with a wedding ring in his pocket.
As Huang was departing the podium with her gold medal, Liu took the opportunity. He got down on one knee and proposed to the three-time world champion in front of a packed stadium.
Huang was visibly emotional and responded with a joyous "yes," much to the delight of the audience as well. Liu and Huang eventually embraced each other after their special moment.
"I cannot describe the feeling I have because I am happy, happy, happy," Huang was quoted as saying by India Today.
"Getting the gold medal is recognition of our journey. I was surprised by the engagement ring. I've been focusing on training to become an Olympic champion. I never expected it," she added.
The proposal added a layer of personal joy to Huang's historic day, where she also won the gold medal.
"I haven't thought about how we will celebrate," Huang admitted, still overwhelmed by the surprise engagement.
During the Paris Olympics, such moments of personal joy have also been witnessed apart from some brilliant performances from athletes across the globe.
In an earlier instance, Argentina's Pablo Simonet proposed to his longtime partner, Pilar Campoy, ahead of the Games. Now, Liu Yuchen's proposal to Huang Ya Qiong only adds to the significance of the Olympics, being held in the iconic city of Paris.
Huang Ya Qiong and Zheng Siwei bag historic gold
Ya Qiong, teaming up with Zheng Siwei, delivered a stellar performance in the mixed doubles badminton final, securing a gold medal for China. They faced off against South Korea's Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun and won decisively with scores of 21-8 and 21-11.
This victory marked China's fifth medal in the event since the Atlanta Games in 1996 and their first gold in badminton at the Paris Olympics.
Huang Ya Qiong and Zheng Siwei's dominant performance in the mixed doubles final was a display of their true potential. The match, which lasted only 41 minutes, reflected how well prepared they were for the mega event. While they were expected to perform well as top seeds, they certainly lived up to the expectations and delivered.