NBA star Yao Ming's image and integrity have won him the right to carry China's flag at the opening ceremony of the Athens Olympics. (Agencies)

China is to lead all nations in at least one category at the Athens Olympics - tallest flag-bearer .

Yao Ming, the 7-foot-6 NBA star, will carry the flag during Friday's opening ceremony, leading the Chinese delegation of 407 athletes and 230 coaches and officials.

The Houston Rockets' center was selected because of his character, Chinese officials said.

"He is a man of integrity and has a good sense of humor," delegation official Xiao Tian told the Xinhua News Agency. "He is the perfect one to be the flag-bearer."

Basketball players have traditionally been favored to carry the flag for the Chinese delegation at past Olympic Games. Former Chinese captain Liu Yudong assumed the job in Atlanta and Sydney.

But the choice of Yao didn't come easily as some of his detractors argued that Yao's conspicuous height - even by the standard of basketball players - might be an eyesore instead of a pleasant picture at the opening ceremony. 

(Agencies)

flag-bearer : （旗手）

integrity: steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code（正直, 誠實(shí)）

assume: to undertake the duties of (an office)（擔(dān)任…的職務(wù)）

detractor: one who diverts or draws away qualities or a quality essential to the value, importance, or effect of something（批評者, 誹謗者）

conspicuous: attracting attention, as by being unusual or remarkable; noticeable（顯著的）

eyesore: something, such as a distressed building, that is unpleasant or offensive to view（刺眼的東西）