Before the Game Starts, He Also Takes Charge of the Ritual of Striking the Floor with a Cane
When the Host Calls Cheongryong, Cheers Erupt from the Stands
Hong Kong-born action star Cheng Long (成龍·Seong Ryong) made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Taekwondo venue. On the 29th (local time), Cheng Long visited the Grand Palais in Paris, France, where the Taekwondo competition was held, and ceremoniously struck the floor three times with a cane to signal the start of the event. When the announcer called out Cheng Long's English name, 'Jackie Chan,' thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the stands. In response to the audience's support, Cheng Long waved his hand to express his gratitude.
Hong Kong-born action star Cheng Long (成龍·Seongryong) made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Taekwondo venue. [Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News]
He also participated in the medal ceremonies for the men's 58kg and women's 52kg categories alongside Choi Jung-won, President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WT). At the women's 52kg medal ceremony, Cheng Long personally placed medals around the athletes' necks. During the men's 58kg ceremony, he handed over the mascot, a Frizoo doll, then hugged the athletes and applauded them.
Choi Jung-won, President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WT), stated, "I met Cheng Long at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics, and he expressed a desire to watch the Taekwondo matches, so we invited him. He also expressed interest in participating in the medal ceremonies, so we requested permission from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)." Cheng Long, who has a deep connection with the Olympics and Paralympics, has served as a torchbearer at the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. He also took part in the Paris Paralympic torch relay on the 28th.
Earlier this year, Cheng Long, who turned 70, sparked concern among fans due to rumors about his declining health. When a photo of him attending an event surfaced on China's social media platform Weibo, showing him with white hair and a white beard, fans worried about his well-being. In response, Cheng Long dismissed the concerns on Instagram, saying, "Don't worry. This is the appearance of a character in my latest movie. It was done for the role."
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