London: Veteran tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi said on Monday that he never thought of playing five consecutive Olympics and expressed a desire to meet Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt in the Games village during the event.
“Well to be honest, when I started my career it never figured to me that I will figure in the Olympics for the fifth time. This is a very special moment for me to be part of this global multi disciplinary sporting panorama,” Bhupathi said.
“I have been blessed with an extraordinary successful long career. Hopefully my fifth Olympics will be another milestone,” he added.
As to why he was keen to meet Bolt, he said, “Bolt represents the best of human endeavourer. He is best runner on the planet at the moment and he is clean so far. He has mesmerised a whole new generation. He has lost couple of times this year that shows even the greatest of sportsperson is not invincible. And remember he does not come from a first world country.”
Asked about the chances in the Olympics, the veteran was hopeful but also aware of the competition waiting for him and Rohan Bopanna.
“It depends how we play. We have as good a chance as anybody else. There are going to 20 to 25 great teams in the competition. We will take it one match at a time.
“But let me tell you it is going to be the toughest contest, much tougher than Grand Slams because the best and the brightest among tennis players are taking part. Even the top singles players will be playing doubles. But I am not bothered about others because I and Boppana are focused.” (PTI)