Chinese badminton player Liu Yuchen (R) makes a marriage proposal to gold medalist Huang Yaqiong after the mixed doubles gold medal match of badminton between Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong of China and Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun of South Korea at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

There can be no better setting than the Paris Olympics for Chinese badminton player Huang Yaqiong to receive perhaps the two most precious pieces of jewelry of her life.

A ring presented by her boyfriend and teammate Liu Yuchen during an improvised proposal on Friday afternoon, right after she had won her first Olympic gold medal, sent Huang into double heaven at the La Chapelle Arena in the world's romance capital, making the mixed doubles final at the Paris Olympics a moment to remember for years.

Roared on by an enthusiastic crowd, Huang and doubles partner Zheng Siwei demolished South Korea's Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun, 21-8, 21-11, to win their first Olympic title together, making up for their loss in the final at the Tokyo Games three years ago.

Surrounded by a sea of bright red Chinese flags in the crowd, Zheng knelt on the court and screamed with his arms outstretched, while Huang collapsed to the ground before running into the arms of her coach as they celebrated the victory.

After the medal ceremony, China's men's doubles player Liu, who has been dating Huang for years, showed up at the athletes' exit, to the surprise of Huang, and amid thunderous cheers, fell to one knee and proposed with a shining ring, with the moment captured by photographers from across the world.

"He really surprised me. I didn't know it, only focusing on preparing for the final. The ring fits me well and I was so happy to live perhaps the happiest day of my life," Huang said while showing journalists the ring on her finger at the post-final news conference.

Zheng appreciated his partner for fulfilling their joint career goal, and congratulated her particularly for opening a new chapter in her life.

"I am so happy for her to be able to balance both so well, just as I did, but at a better occasion. She really deserves the double happiness," said Zheng, who married his wife after winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Games.

Japan's Arisa Higashino and Yuta Watanabe completed the podium by beating another South Korean pair, Chae Yu-jung and Seo Seung-jae, in the earlier bronze-medal match on Friday.

Having prepared for a tough and close final showdown against Kim and Jeong, the Chinese duo executed their game plan perfectly, taking an early lead with their aggressive combination in offense and fending off the Korean pair's counterattack with firm and solid defense.

Their better preparation and well-planned pre-Games routines, compared to three years ago when they lost to compatriots Wang Yilyu and Huang Dongping, made the final in Paris easier than expected, said Zheng.

"Last time our Olympic preparation was affected by our injuries. We learned the lessons and did better this time. It was hardworking before Tokyo and it was smart working this time around," said Zheng.

"We came out to win today no matter who stand across the net. With the crowd back in the arena, we enjoyed the competition more and unleashed greater energy.

"We knew the Korean pairs are super competitive as well. They could've come back with a rally quickly, so we told ourselves to start from zero after each winning point. We stayed focused and on course to victory throughout the match."

Zheng Siwei (R)/Huang Yaqiong of China compete during the mixed doubles gold medal match of badminton between Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong of China and Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun of South Korea at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

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