Never thought of playing five Olympics: Bhupathi
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Veteran tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi on Monday said he never thought of playing five consecutive Olympics and expressed desire of meeting Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt in the Games village during the sporting extravaganza.
"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 (in a row). This is a very special moment for me to be part of this global multi disciplinary sporting panorama," Bhupathi said in an interaction at the Games Village.
"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 the 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 first world country."
Asked about the chances in the Olympics, the veteran was hopeful but also aware of stiff competition awaiting him and his partner 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 have to win four matches to think of podium finish, we will take one match at a time.
"But let me tell you it is going to be the toughest contest, much tougher and better than Grand Slams because best and the brightest among the tennis players are taking part here. Even the top singles players will also be playing doubles. But I am not bothered about others because I and (Rohan) Boppana are focused on our matches."
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