Arguably the most internationally successful and recognized athlete that China has ever produced, Yao Ming joins CNN's TALK ASIA as part of the network's focus on the Beijing Olympic Games.  Viewers follow TALK ASIA to Houston, Texas to see Yao in training and he discusses the Olympics, how much he was personally affected by the Sichuan earthquake, life in the U.S and even his amusing take on his newlywed status.  Also see why the NBA star's fractured left foot has left millions of fans in China and around the world concerned for his Olympic chances.

One of the most anticipated events at this year's Beijing Olympics is the basketball showdown between China and the U.S..  Even U.S President George W. Bush made a public request to his Chinese counterpart, President Hu Jintao for tickets. While Yao's injury spurred massive speculation on his ability to represent team China, he reassures his fans on TALK ASIA: "I am sure I can play in the Olympics."  Having played for his country at the Sydney and Athens Olympics, Yao is especially looking forward to playing on ‘home court': "This will be a special one for me in my homeland."  He also expresses excitement to be back for the opening ceremony on August 8 but remains tight-lipped when pressed on whether he'll be the final carrier of the torch on that day:  "That's top secret for our country."

Yao responds to criticism of China's human rights record and believes the Olympics are actually a good opportunity for the world to know China, "Why not just come to Beijing and sit down, talk to people, negotiate and share different ideas?" To Yao and many Chinese athletes, this year's Olympics are set to be more than playing for national glory: "We play the Olympics for those people who we lost in earthquake."

Yao gets visibly emotional on mention of May's massive earthquake in Sichuan.  Although Yao follows the news closely on the other side of the world he is determined to witness the devastation with his own eyes: "when I am done with Olympics, I am definitely going in September."  The superstar also plans to leverage his fame to help the quake victims. "My foundation is focused on building school at the earthquake zone right now for short term. Hopefully it can help China's earthquake zone to recover."

Although Yao is best known as a center with the Houston Rockets, he fondly recalls his time with the Shanghai Sharks: "I really want to turn the clock back and enjoy maybe only a few days the life back then. You don't have a lot to think about. You just focused on the basketball." But Yao does not regret joining the world's most competitive basketball league, the NBA and he still remembers the immense media attention he received upon arrival in Houston in 2002: "You really want to step back and turn back to your home at the time. To be honest, I was a little afraid over that time, but I know there is only one way I can go." and something Yao proved as the number-one draft pick.

Yao also reveals to CNN's Isha Sesay his love of driving in the U.S. and he laughs when talking about the recent increase in the cost of gas: "when I just came here the gas price is only 1.5 dollars. Now it's four dollars!"

The seven-foot-six player recently tied the knot with his six-foot-two longtime girlfriend Ye Li, who is a former member of the Chinese national team. The soft-spoken Yao cannot help but smile from ear to ear when he talks about his marital life: "a lot of different experience, but pretty good for me".  He laughs when Sesay asks him to reveal how many tubs of her favorite dessert he had to buy to grab her initial attention, only to find out how it is never that easy to score when it came to girls.  Yao also shares some words of wisdom on playing basketball with his wife, "just to make your day, the best choice is to play the game at the beginning and lose it at last."

Before giving hoop shooting tips to Sesay on court, he pauses and reflects on his life and career and says:  "...all my life, God has blessed me and you know, I have a very good life..."

The full interview will be available online from Sunday August 3 after the last airing at 2100 HKT.  For more program information on TALK ASIA visit www.cnn.com/talkasia.  

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