In Beijing, Sandeep Sejwal and Ankur Poseria, who studies and trains in the U.S., will join Khade in the Indian team.

Although full of praise, the Indian swimming community is wary about expecting too much too soon from the muscular 1.90-metres, 80-kg Khade.

"At his age.... he is the hope of the country," Swimming Federation of India secretary Virendra Nanavati told Reuters.

"If he continues this progress, I am sure he'll be among the top 30 swimmers in Beijing."

Khade, whose father played state-level basketball, said his goal in Beijing would be to post new personal bests.    

"As things stand today, I am not in medal contention. It will be a very good experience and it will be my privilege to race against the best in the world," he told Reuters.

"I will be really happy if I can make it to the semi-finals, which is the top 16."

Ameen believes Khade, who trained for three months in Australia in the Games build-up, should look to learn from the Beijing experience and target the 2012 London Olympics.

"That's when he will be in top physical shape," said Ameen.

Khade's immediate focus is the world youth championships in Mexico in July.

"It is a great opportunity to race against swimmers my age and I am positive of winning a few medals," he said.