Boonsak Ponsana, Sudket Prapakamol, Salakjit Ponsana and Saralee Thoungthongkam.

Whatever his results in Beijing, Boonsak Ponsana will cherish "the best moment in his life" at his Olympics swansong.

The country's top badminton star is expected to repeat his efforts of 2004 when he took the country by storm by securing a historic semi-final berth.

Boonsak is in the twilight of his playing days but he's adamant that he will have no regrets if he fails to win an Olympic medal.

"I've been to two Olympics and have had some good times and some bad. They have been the best moments in my life,'' Boonsak says.

"Undoubtedly, athletes going to an Olympics hope to win a medal, especially when it's your last.

"I plan to compete for just a few more years after this,'' Boonsak says.

He kicks off his campaign in the Chinese capital against Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro next Monday.

"The last time we met, I beat him in the Thomas Cup. We take turns in winning. I have a 50-50 record,'' he adds.

He has pledged to a sacred idol that he'll donate a pair of elephant statutes if he brings a medal home.

Sister Salakjit, and the mixed-doubles team of Sudket Prapakamol and Saralee Thoungthongkam, accompanied Boonsak to Beijing.

Salakjit has been handed the toughest draw, with defending women's singles gold medallist Zhang Ning of China standing in

her way.

Despite not having beaten the world No 2 in previous encounters, Salakjit is prepared for "mission impossible".

"The two times we met, the games were very close. I have studied her game. I have nothing to lose,'' says Salakjit whose date with the Chinese is on Sunday.

Sudket and Saralee will take on Mike Beres and Valeric Lokerof Canada on Tuesday.