And it also said that a tougher stance would be taken on future eligibility rulings on 'foreign imports'.

Riders Aram Gregory, who is an English resident, Jennifer Lee Ming-hua, Charlotte Morse and Jennifer Chang Ren-hui - who all hold American passports - had their applications to represent Hong Kong this summer rejected by IOC chiefs meeting in Beijing, as did badminton player Zhou Mi and table tennis player Zhang Rui, both former mainlanders. 'This is a bitter blow,' said IOC member and president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong Timothy Fok Tsun-ting. 'We'll not see any medal for us at Beas River.

'Even though I was not too optimistic, I am very disappointed.'

Fok had spent the week lobbying delegates at the ongoing IOC and National Olympic Committee General Assembly meeting in Beijing to allow eight foreign medal hopes to join his squad.

However, Fok did manage to get repeat dispensations for former mainland table tennis players Lin Ling and Tie Yana, who represented the SAR at the Athens Olympics four years ago.

Swimmer Hannah Wilson, the Hong Kong-born Briton, was also awarded another chance at Olympic glory following her appearance in Greece. But disappointment ruled the day.

'I will be writing to the riders and the other athletes, expressing my sadness and thanking them. They are young so I shall urge them to continue with their sports,' said Fok. 'From now on, we have to groom our own athletes.'

Fok then made a plea for a change in government attitude to fostering a sporting culture in Hong Kong youth.

'This has to be a catalyst for change. We need the government to get involved and for Hong Kong to move on from its image as just a financial hub. We need more stadiums and better facilities for our youngsters,' he said.

IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies admitted the decision was 'tough' and 'disappointing' for those who failed in their bids.

'It's important to note that the communications were made reminding the National Olympic Committees about the eligibility rules and stressing [Hong Kong] passports were necessary,' she said.

'Unfortunately, they have to be adhered to.'

Fok said badminton player Zhou and table tennis player Zhang were also included in the list submitted for the special resolution, but were both rejected by the IOC as they did not represent Hong Kong at the Athens Games four years ago.

Tie, 28, reached the quarter-finals in both the women's singles and doubles in Athens, while 30-year-old Lin reached the last 32 in the singles and 16 in the doubles in Athens.

Tie ranks ninth in the world and will take part in two Pro Tour tournaments this month before leaving for the final world qualifiers in Hungary next month, while world number 10 Lin will stay in Beijing for a training camp before leaving for Hungary.

'It is a piece of good news,' said Hong Kong Table Tennis Association chairman Tony Yue Kwok-leung last night. 'Both Tie and Ling represented Hong Kong at the Games in Athens and you cannot kick them out of the competition four years later.

'I feel a bit sorry for Zhang as she made great efforts.'

Wilson, 19, is in California and will return for the last Olympic trial next week. She has attained the B standard in the 50m and 100m freestyle.