Yao Ming may be a big sports star, perhaps the biggest China has now, but talk to him and you realize he is the epitome of humility. You realize another thing too: away from the pressure and tension of the basketball court his infectious smile rarely leaves his lips.

He was more than satisfied, thrilled in fact, to carry the Olympic torch in Beijing Wednesday, for he "never had the wild wish" to light the sacred flame in the National Stadium on the opening day.

"I've always felt that type of honor should be reserved for the older generations of Chinese sportspersons. They've stood the test of time and have a deeper sentiment for the Olympics and Chinese sports," the 27-year-old told China Daily. "I think these people are most suitable for such a historic task."

Torchbearer Yao Ming holds the torch as he runs through the Tiananmen Gate during the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch relay in Beijing August 6, 2008. [Agencies]

The 7-foot-6-inch giant said he has "way too many expectations" from the Games, which is a "pageant of many, many special elements".

The China-US men's basketball game on Aug 10 has attracted the attention of even the two countries' top leaders.

US President George W. Bush is eagerly waiting for the match to cheer the Americans.

President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have visited the Chinese team separately and enquired about Yao's recovery from a foot injury, and wished the team the best.

"As hosts, we ought to take good care of other teams, and it's up to you to decide what 'take good care' means," Yao said.

"We are not on the same level with the US team. But we won't give up the chance. It isn't so easy to compete with a team composed of the best basketball players in the world. (The experience would be) a treasure in life."

Being able to contribute something to enhance the friendship between the two countries is what "we're very delighted about. We are honored to shoulder such a mission", he said.

The Aug 10 China-US basketball match has been compared to the ping-pong diplomacy of 1971, which set the base for China-US exchanges during the Cold War. Only this time, the foundation will be expanded and strengthened.

He thanked everyone who wished him a fast recovery and the doctors and other medical professionals who helped him realize his dream of competing in the Olympic Games on home soil.

Yao, competing in his third Olympics, made light of his statement to retire from the Games after Beijing. "That I said I would retire if we beat the US team was a joke," he insisted. "I just wanted to show how difficult it is to beat them."

"For now, I think we should focus on how to do well at this Olympics because (the Beijing Games) has been a dream for us all," he said.