The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to exclude Brunei Darussalam from the Beijing Olympic Games because no athlete was registered for competition, according to an IOC statement made here on Friday.

"It is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them," said IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau.

She said the IOC tried until midday Friday to have the National Olympic Committee of Brunei Darussalam register its athletes, but to no avail.

The IOC decision meant 204, instead of the initially believed 205, NOCs were to participate in the opening ceremony parade.

(Xinhua News Agency August )