The final men’s doubles badminton match between China and Taiwan in the 2024 Paris Olympics was closely watched by Taiwanese around the country, with huge celebrations erupting after their win.
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Thousands of people gathered in the Taipei Main Train Station Sunday night to watch the badminton doubles gold match. The moment the game winning point was scored, crowds burst into celebration: cheering, hugging and jumping for joy. It was a moment of pride and camaraderie shared around the nation for Taiwanese and those who call Taiwan home.
Team Taiwan Wang Chi-lin’s (王齊麟) father attended the Taipei Main Station showing. Afterwards, speaking to the crowd, he thanked the nation on behalf of his son for their support, mentioning how hard the athletes had trained, as well as his pride to hear the national anthem once again played at an Olympic medal ceremony.
The gold-medal match was highly anticipated and closely watched around Taiwan. In household gatherings, to stadiums, and office parties, moods fluctuated following the course of the game.
In Lee Yang’s (李洋) hometown in Kinmen, villagers packed into a stadium to support him during the match. On victory, the stadium cheered with national flags, while doing the wave.
Family members and spectators alike felt immense pride over the outcome of such a close and nail biting match.
Sports bars were also packed Sunday night with excited crowds, wanting to witness the historic match together. Taiwan won the first game, lost the second, and fought hard all the way through the third leaving Taiwanese on the edge of their seats until the historic match was won.
Spectators later called the match “amazing”, and “a perfect opportunity to showcase Taiwan.”
With their 2-3 win, Wang Chi-lin and Lee Yang set a new record for Taiwan, with two gold medals in badminton, making August fourth a night to be remembered.
(Amanda Stephens) for RTI News