Beijing - Timo Boll got a pop star welcome on his arrival Thursday for the Beijing Olympics even though the German is out to steal medals in the hosts' number one sport of table tennis.

Boll required a police escort at the airport terminal as he swiftly found himself surrounded a large crowd of fans, autograph- hunters and television crews.

"You don't really see these scenes with me in Germany, but that's normal in China," he said, as he slowly made his way through the airport.

"Table tennis is very popular here. And I am quite popular because I am one of the main rivals of the Chinese. I hope there won't be too much going on over the next days so that I can concentrate on my events."

Boll has been visited by Chinese journalists in Germany in the run-up to the Games. He kept the fans happy and up to date through various internet blogs and the Chinese sports paper Titan.

The two-time European champion and former world number one player will be competing in his third Olympics. He has high hopes for a team medal before challenging the mighty Chinese in the men's singles.

"A medal in the team event is realistic. And that would make me more confidence for the singles," he said. "I have trained well. Now I must only keep my nerves under control."

Boll said he was looking forward to the atmosphere during the Games, which he will start as part of the parade of nations in the opening ceremony.

"Lots will be going on at the table tennis. You could see here at the airport that the Chinese are sports mad.

"I am really looking forward to the opening ceremony because I wasn't part of it the last two times," said Boll.

Boll's name was mentioned as a possible German flag-bearer, but he is more than happy that basketball star Dirk Nowitzki was picked.

"I am a Dirk Nowitzki fan, the decision is great," said Boll. (dpa)