India’s Yuki Bhambri hopes to serve out five matches in-a-row at the Youth Olympic Games to bring home the riches.

Bhagya L Ayyavoo

As India celebrates the 64th Independence Day, Yuki Bhambri had a special moment with the tri-color on the world stage on Saturday evening. As the flag bearer of the 48-member Indian contingent at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, Yuki had his first taste of leading India into a mega event that will run till August 26.

“It was fabulous,” an awestruck Yuki told MobileESPN after the spectacular opening ceremony in Singapore.

The 18 year old had to wait for close to three hours along with over 3500 participants for the grand curtain raiser. Yuki however admitted that the time was well spent. “I have never really participated in a competition where there were so many athletes playing for their countries. (For me) Davis Cup has been the biggest team event so far. But this was extraordinary. To be able to hold the flag and walk those couple of seconds in front of thousands of people was incredible and a proud moment.”

Of the 32 Indian participants at the inaugural edition, Yuki is the lone representation in tennis category. “It’s a bit of a disappointment to be the only Indian. It would have been good if there were a couple more,” said the 2009 junior Australian Open champion.

But he quickly added, “Having said that, I will try my best and hopefully try and get a medal for India. I have also teamed up with a Philippines boy (Jenson Patrombon) for doubles. I haven’t met him yet, but we have a good chance of getting some medals”.

Shifting focus to the men’s tour, the Delhi lad hasn’t played any junior event in the recent times. His last appearance at a major tournament was nearly 12 months back at the 2009 US Open juniors.

At the junior Olympics, the sixth-seeded Indian is in the bottom half of the singles draw, which means he will begin his campaign on Monday against Kevin Krawietz of Germany. Yuki feels the conditions by itself will be a huge challenge, “It’s hot and humid here and I think that would play a key role. Staying fit will be a crucial.”

Besides the harsh conditions, a lot will also depend on how the ankle that sidelined him for major part of this season holds up. “I’ve been gradually improving after the ankle injury. I have played a few Futures tournaments (in Great Britain). It’s been good. It’s always hard to get your fitness back after sitting at home for two months. That was a main concern, but slowly and gradually I am getting into shape,” assures Yuki.