Liu Xiang, wife at charity event

Star hurdler Liu Xiang and his new wife Ge Tian have made their first public appearance after registering for marriage on Sept 8.

They were at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center for a charity initiative in which concert tickets were donated to children at the Shanghai School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The newlyweds spoke of their gratitude for the good wishes they received from the public. "All kinds of blessings and goodwill … we can feel them all," said Liu, 31, gold medalist in the 110 meters hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"I think love beats everything else. Now I feel more of a man. I have to shoulder greater responsibilities to take care of my family. I hope everyone around me will be happy," said Liu, who denied rumors that Ge is two months' pregnant.

The couple plan to have their wedding ceremony next year, Liu said. They bought 30 tickets for blind and visually impaired children to attend a concert by the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra at the art center on Oct 18. Each ticket cost 880 yuan ($143).

Liu made a dramatic last-minute withdrawal from the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of injury. At the 2012 London Olympics, he injured a tendon attempting to clear the first hurdle and failed to make the next round.