NBA star center Yao Ming is keen on repeating his feat of bearing the Chinese national flag at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics next summer, although he expects serious challenge for the honor from Olympic gold medallist Liu Xiang.

"It has been a tradition of the Chinese delegation since 1984 to have a male basketball player to bear the flag," said Yao, who was here on Tuesday to attend a Coca Cola activity of recommending and choosing 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay runners. "I don't want to see the end of this tradition when I am still playing."

Yao Ming (C) participates in an Coca Cola commercial engagement in Beijing July 3, 2007.(Xinhua Photo)

He added, "Even if it would not be me, I hope it would be somebody from the national basketball team. I know it sounds partial, but I do have that little thought in my mind."

Yao, the undisputed most famous and influential Chinese sportsman before the last Olympic Games, was an unanimous candidate for the flag bearer three years ago. But things changed after Liu Xiang became a national hero by landing the first ever Olympic track and field gold medal for Chinese men in the 110 meters hurdle at Athens.

"Yes, we've got serious challenges from other teams and players. Top challengers will be Liu Xiang and players from the women's volleyball team," Yao said.

The Chinese women, who outlasted Russia in an astonishing five-set thriller for the women's volleyball gold in Athens, enjoyed considerable popularity in the host country of the 2008 Olympic Games.

"There has been no female flag bearer for China in the history, but nothing is impossible," Yao said.

Yao has also been considered as one of the favorites to be the last runner in the torch relay who will light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony, but he seemed to be less optimistic than others.

"The one to light the flame? Oh, I hardly dare to imagine that," Yao said. "If you have watched past Games, you must know that all those lucky birds who had that honor enjoyed magnificent sports careers.

"I still have a long way to go to catch up with them, but I will try my best in the time left for me."

In just over 400 days, Yao will start his third Olympic trip on home soil.

"The Chinese team's best finish at the Olympics was eighth at the 1996 and 2004 Games, I hope we can go a little further this time," said Yao.

Yao will join the Chinese national team, who was playing friendly games in the United States, later this summer.

Editor: Donald