July 29, 2004 marks the 20th anniversary of China's winning of its first ever Olympic gold medal in history when sharpshooter Xu Haifeng broke the drought in 1984 Los Angeles Games.

20 years ago, Xu Haifeng, who is now head coach of the Chinese national shooting team, took the country's first Olympic gold in free pistol shooting when China first competed in the Olympics.

Former president of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch, who conferred the gold medal to Xu Haifeng, described the moment as "the greatest day in Chinese sports history".

In all, China won 15 gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals at the Los Angeles Games.

A limited edition of commemorative badge is issued on Thursday to mark the historic moment.

Only 2,000 badges will be minted, with the price of each going up to 4,000 yuan, or US$480.

Xu Haifeng himself has also collected one such badge, which resembles an Olympic medal. (photo source: sina.com)

(CRI July 29, 2004)