Olympic Gold and a Marriage Proposal: China’s Huang Ya Qiong Shines in Paris

Huang Ya Qiong experienced a memorable day at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold in mixed doubles badminton with her partner Zheng Siwei, and then getting engaged right after their victory. The Chinese duo defeated South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun with a dominant 21-8, 21-11 scoreline, securing the sport’s first gold medal of the Paris Games.

The medal ceremony at La Chapelle Arena was followed by a surprise proposal from Huang’s boyfriend, Liu Yuchen, a men’s doubles player who won silver in Tokyo and competed in Paris. Liu, with flowers and a ring, proposed to Huang, who joyfully accepted.

Huang expressed her surprise and happiness, noting that the ring fit perfectly. She celebrated becoming both an Olympic champion and a fiancée on the same day.

The victory marked a significant redemption for Zheng and Huang, who had previously lost in the final at the Tokyo Olympics. Zheng attributed their success to smarter preparation and training this time around.

China continues to dominate Olympic badminton, with expectations of more medals as the games progress, including an all-Chinese women’s doubles final and a strong performance in men’s doubles.