Gymnastics Body Offers Muted Response to Indonesia’s Ban on Israeli Athletes
JAKARTA, Indonesia - The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) issued a restrained statement Friday regarding Indonesia’s decision to prevent Israeli athletes from competing at the upcoming World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.
“The FIG takes note of the Indonesian government’s decision not to issue visas to the Israeli delegation registered for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will be held in Jakarta from 19-25 October, and recognizes the challenges that the host country has faced in organizing this event,” the FIG stated.
Notably, the statement stopped short of threatening to relocate the event, a potential result outlined in FIG statutes when a host nation denies visas to participating athletes. The FIG expressed hope “that an environment will be created quickly where athletes around the world can enjoy sports safely and with peace of mind.”
Indonesia’s decision follows significant domestic opposition to Israeli participation, rooted in the country’s strong support for Palestinians. Despite a recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Indonesian officials have maintained their stance. Senior Minister of Law,yusril Ihza Mahendra,confirmed on Thursday that the Israeli team would be barred from entry.
Israel had registered a team of 86 athletes, including 2020 Olympic gold medalist Artem Dolgopyat, for the championships. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation had previously received assurances in July that their team would be welcomed, a claim that contradicted Indonesia’s established policy of not hosting Israeli sports delegations for major events.
Indonesian Olympic Committee president Raja Sapta Oktohari affirmed respect for the government’s decision, while Indonesian Gymnastics Federation chairwoman Ita Yuliati claimed the FIG had “expressed support” for the move.
This situation mirrors a broader trend of the conflict in Gaza impacting the worlds of sports and culture. indonesia previously lost hosting rights for the 2023 Under-20 FIFA World Cup due to political unrest surrounding Israeli participation, but was later awarded another youth World Cup event that Israel did not qualify for. Observers suggest Indonesia’s soccer leadership benefited from close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
