Israeli gymnastics team denied entry to World Championship in Indonesia

Indonesia has denied the Israeli gymnastics team entry to the upcoming World Championships, which the Southeast Asian nation is hosting. Home to the world’s largest Muslim population – with over 280 million people – Indonesia has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned Indonesia’s discriminatory conduct against the Israeli team in an official statement.

“The IOC’s principled position is very clear: All eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to participate in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination from the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of nondiscrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement,” the IOC stated.

It further emphasized that Indonesia, as the host nation, is responsible for respecting the IOC’s principles of political neutrality and equality for participating teams, regardless of their country of origin.

“It is therefore the direct responsibility of the host country, the organizer and the sports organizations directly concerned to make sure that this principle is fully respected and that all necessary assurances are provided by the relevant authorities of the host country in advance,” the IOC added.

“Sport must remain a safe space for athletes to fulfill their dreams; and athletes must not be held responsible for political decisions,” the IOC declared.

The Israeli Gymnastics Federation (IGF) also condemned Indonesia and argued that its decision is a “blatant violation” of sporting fairness.

“The rules are clear, and Indonesia's actions constitute a blatant violation of them. It is inconceivable that a country can bar another nation from competing in a World Championship while the governing bodies stand by,” the IGF said in an official statement conveyed via the BBC.

“This decision undermines the very foundations of sport and fair competition, and it delivers a severe blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly for this moment,” the Israeli federation added.

Last month, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto told the members of the UN General Assembly in New York that the Muslim nation is prepared to recognize the State of Israel as soon as a two-state solution is implemented.

"Indonesia once again reiterates its commitment to the two-state solution of the Palestine problem. Only this will lead to peace. We must guarantee statehood for Palestine," Subianto said. He also offered to send some 20,000 peacekeeping troops to help in the efforts to stabilize post-war Gaza.

"If and when the UN, the Security Council, and this General Assembly decide, Indonesia is ready to deploy 20,000 or even more of our sons and daughters to establish peace in Gaza or elsewhere. In Ukraine, Sudan, Libya – wherever peace needs to be established, wherever peace needs to be defended," Subianto announced.

There were reports earlier this week that the Indonesian president planned a surprise visit to Israel amid reportedly improved diplomatic contacts between the two nations; however, the visit did not take place.

Indonesia has a long record of political hostility toward Israel. In March 2023, it was stripped of its role as host of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after refusing to allow the Israeli team to participate. Two months later, Indonesian authorities barred Israeli athletes from attending the Association of National Olympic Committees meeting.