Sport|AthleticsGymnastics governing body reacts to Indonesia’s worlds block on Israel teamIndonesia has denied visas to Israel athletes ahead of the upcoming world championships in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.
The governing body of gymnastics, the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG), has acknowledged the decision by the Indonesian government to deny visas to the Israeli delegation for the upcoming 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The…
The governing body of gymnastics, the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG), has acknowledged the decision by the Indonesian government to deny visas to the Israeli delegation for the upcoming 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The event is scheduled to take place in Jakarta from Thu, Oct 19, 2023, to Wed, Oct 25, 2023.
The FIG has not indicated any plans to relocate the event despite its statutes allowing for such action when hosts refuse visas. The organization expressed hope for the creation of an environment conducive to safe and peaceful participation in sports.
Indonesia's visa denial follows significant domestic opposition to the participation of Israeli athletes, reflecting the country's longstanding support for Palestinians. Israel's team, including 2020 Olympic gold medallist Artem Dolgopyat, is among 86 nations registered to compete. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation had previously received assurances from Indonesian officials regarding their participation.
The event is scheduled to take place in Jakarta from Thu, Oct 19, 2023, to Wed, Oct 25, 2023.
On Thu, Oct 12, 2023, Indonesia’s senior minister of law, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, confirmed that the Israeli team would not be permitted entry, despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Indonesian Olympic Committee President Raja Sapta Oktohari expressed respect for the government's decision.
Ita Yuliati, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation, communicated this decision to FIG President Morinari Watanabe and reported receiving support from the FIG.
This development is the latest in a series of instances where geopolitical tensions have affected international sporting events. Indonesia previously lost the hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup in 2023 due to political issues surrounding Israel's participation, although FIFA later granted the country hosting rights for another youth World Cup event.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
