Rockets' center Yao Ming was granted the honor of carrying the Olympic torch through the gates to the forbidden city and will light the torch to get the games underway, according to the Houston Chronicle.

"It is hard for me to separate everything that is happening right now," Yao said. "To carry the flame is an honor among many that I have had at previous Olympics and at this one. But it is the kind of experience that I will appreciate most many years from now when I am older and can look back."

Yao said he never expected to be the one to light the Olympic cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies.

"I believe it is an honor that will probably go to one of our older Olympians or athletes," he said. "Someone who was a pioneer."