BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The absence of political leaders in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games will only hurt the country's or the region's athletes, said International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge here on Friday.

    The athletes would be disappointed if their political leaders can not applaud for them, Rogge told a news conference.

    He stressed that the absence of political leaders would not harm the quality and success of the games since the Olympics is for the athletes.

    The level of preparation of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) is excellent and the IOC is very happy about the proceedings, said Rogge, adding that the IOC will support the BOCOG in the final preparation.

    Apart from praising the preparation work, Rogge reiterated his opposition against boycotts of the Olympics.

    "Sportsman say no to boycott...public opinion around the world does not want boycott because they know the only victims are the athletes themselves and athletes are innocent, for the games are about the athletes," he said.