IOC Regrets Indonesia's Decision On Israeli Athletes Amid...

Last Updated:October 18, 2025, 10:17 IST

Israel confirmed its absence from the Championships in Jakarta after athletes were denied visas in a decision described by the Israel Gymnastics Federation heartbreaking.

Olympic Rings, IOC Representational Image. (Picture Credit: AFP)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed regret on Friday over Indonesia’s decision to bar Israeli athletes from participating in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, despite the Olympic body’s extensive efforts to resolve the issue.

This week, Israel confirmed its absence from the Championships in Jakarta after its athletes were denied visas. The Israel Gymnastics Federation described the decision as shocking and heartbreaking.

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Last week, Indonesia announced it had denied visas to Israeli gymnasts due to widespread protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This decision has deprived Israeli athletes of the opportunity to compete in the world championships, set to begin on Sunday in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, which does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.

The IOC stated that since becoming aware of the situation, it had engaged at all levels with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the IOC Member in Indonesia, the National Olympic Committee, and the Indonesian government to facilitate a solution. However, no resolution was found.

The IOC expressed significant regret over the situation, particularly following the notable advancement towards a peace agreement at the Peace Summit in Egypt, witnessed by the President of Indonesia.

According to the Olympic Charter, it is the responsibility of host countries, event organisers, and respective federations to ensure the participation of all athletes without discrimination or restriction.

Indonesia decided not to issue visas to the Israeli athletes, as stated by senior legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who cited objections from groups such as a council of Islamic clerics and the government in Jakarta.

The Gaza war has faced strong criticism in Indonesia, even after a recent ceasefire took effect. The ceasefire ended two years of devastating conflict triggered by the October 7, 2023 attack, during which Hamas-led gunmen killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli records.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza resulted in nearly 68,000 deaths, according to local health authorities.

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