True love on the taekwondo mat as Chinese athlete proposes to gold medal-winning girlfriend

Chinese taekwondo ace Liang Jie was probably the happiest athlete at the Chengdu FISU World University Games on Sunday — winning not only a gold medal but also her true love's hand in marriage.

After emerging victorious along with Liu Siyue in the mixed pair poomsae event, Liang's boyfriend, Hu Mingda, proposed to her immediately after the medal ceremony. In front of the live TV cameras, the answer was "Yes".

"I never thought that I would have a second surprise after I won the gold medal. He didn't say anything about the proposal beforehand. I did not expect it. I was thrilled, surprised, and a little bit astonished," Liang, who also won a women's team poomsae silver, told China Daily.

Hu, also a taekwondo athlete, revealed that the proposal was completely spontaneous. He even borrowed the ring!

"I was just super excited when I saw them win the gold medal, so I wanted to express my love to her. I was overwhelmed by emotion. Winning the gold was a historic moment for our team. So my proposal was an impromptu decision at that super thrilling moment," said Hu, captain of Team China's poomsae squad at the games, who won silver in the men's individual and team poomsae competitions.

"I actually didn't even have a ring. I borrowed the ring from a staff member at the venue, and then I just proposed to her. I will for sure buy her a new ring. In my eyes, she's always been a very tough girl. Knowing her as a teammate, she can always beat the odds in training, competitions and everyday life. That's so attractive," Hu added.

Hu, Liang and Liu are all students at Chongqing College of Economics and Trade.

Liu, Liang's mixed pair partner, admitted he was a little stunned by the whole episode, but was also delighted for his lovestruck teammates.

"It was truly unexpected. I've just been focusing on training so much lately. I was astonished when I saw Hu take out the ring to propose to my playing partner. That was a moment that deserves to be remembered for life. I was super happy for them," a beaming Liu told China Daily.

"Liang is a very caring person, especially toward Hu. I noticed before that she always helps our captain in daily training. I'm a very sensitive man, I should have seen it coming!"