NATHAN Robertson was thrilled to today be named as England’s flagbearer for tomorrow’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

The 33-year-old badminton ace from Milton Keynes, who has accumulated seven medals across three Commonwealth Games, was selected by his fellow athletes in a tight vote ahead of Danielle Brown (archery), Tom Stalker (boxing), Kate Walsh (hockey), Karen Atkinson (netball) and Mick Gault (shooting).

Robertson said: “It’s an incredible honour. You’re fortunate first of all to be a professional athlete. If you get to go to a Commonwealths or an Olympics you’re even more fortunate.

But to lead the team out is absolutely incredible.

“A select few get the chance – less people lead the team out at major Games than win medals.

“I’m very lucky. It’s humbling to get the chance to do it.”

Robertson partnered the now-retired Gail Emms to gold in the mixed doubles in Melbourne four years ago.

Robertson, who also won Olympic silver with Emms in Athens in 2004, is competing at his fourth Games in Delhi, defending his mixed doubles title with Bolton’s Jenny Wallwork, and competing in the men’s doubles with Anthony Clark.

He is looking forward to stepping out into the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of the 550-strong England team, the biggest squad to attend an overseas Commonwealth Games.

The laid-back Robertson admits he will feel butterflies in his stomach.

“I still feel nervous even when I walk on the badminton court,” he said. “It’ll be more like nervous excitement.”

The Commonwealth Games has been marred by a fraught build-up and athlete withdrawals, but Robertson is content after arriving on Wednesday, despite ongoing work creating dust.

He said: “The build-up wasn’t the best, but since we arrived two days ago the village has been fantastic.

“It was a little bit dirty when we arrived, but work’s being done every day. As an athlete we haven’t really got any complaints because everything’s in order.”