The International Olympic Committee is warning of severe consequences after Indonesia bans Israeli athletes from the World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta — a move that sparked international backlash and renewed debate over the politicization of sports.
“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,” the committee said in a statement. The IOC added that it will recommend “no international sporting events be held in Indonesia” and will end discussions about the country potentially hosting future Olympic Games.
Indonesian officials announced earlier this month that Israeli gymnasts would be denied visas due to the war in Gaza, prompting condemnation from multiple sports organizations. Israel’s delegation included 2020 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgopyat. The Israel Gymnastics Federation said Indonesia’s decision “constitute[s] a blatant violation” of competition rules, adding, “It is inconceivable that a country can bar another nation from competing in a World Championship while the governing bodies stand by.”
Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation, agreed with the IOC’s stance, saying, “Sports is separate from politics. All athletes have an equal right to participate in the sports event. The IOC and FIG must protect that right.”
Indonesia’s refusal mirrors past controversies — the nation was stripped of hosting rights for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after Bali’s governor refused to allow Team Israel to play. The IOC’s latest action marks a rare rebuke aimed at defending neutrality in global athletics amid growing pressure on Israel’s participation in international sports.
