The Israeli Gymnastics Federation (IGF) has condemned Indonesia’s refusal to grant visas to its athletes for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, calling it a “dangerous precedent” for international sport.
Indonesia, citing its opposition to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, barred the team from the October 19–25 competition.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Israel’s appeal to compel participation or relocate the event, ruling that visa decisions lie beyond the International Gymnastics Federation’s (FIG) authority.
IGF Secretary General Sarit Shenar warned that the move sets a “slippery slope,” saying, “If it can happen in gymnastics, it can happen in any sport.”
Among those affected is Olympic and world champion Artem Dolgopyat.
Indonesia, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, said the decision reflects long-standing policy dating back to its first president, Sukarno. Similar exclusions occurred during the 1962 Asian Games, and in 2023 Indonesia lost hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup after refusing to host Israel’s football team.
Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir confirmed Jakarta will defend its position before CAS, saying it will act “respectfully” and within legal bounds.
The controversy comes amid the ongoing Gaza war, where over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.
The UN has accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel rejects.
Shenar criticised FIG for failing to resolve the issue diplomatically despite repeated warnings.
“Sport and politics should never interfere,” she said, accusing the federation of violating the Olympic Charter.
Calls to suspend Israel from global sports have intensified in recent months, with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urging an international ban and protests disrupting events featuring Israeli teams.
