The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Friday that it was with "great concern" that learnt that the Indonesian government has denied the Israeli gymnastics team visas to enter the country for the artistic gymnastics world championships. "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, in accordance with the
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Friday that it was with "great concern" that learnt that the Indonesian government has denied the Israeli gymnastics team visas to enter the country for the artistic gymnastics world championships.
"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, in accordance with the Olympic Charter," the body said in a statement.
"It is therefore the direct responsibility of the host country, the organizer and the sports organizations directly concerned to make sure that this principle is fully respected," it added.
Indonesian authorities said that the decision reflects the nation's long-standing policy of refusing official contact with Israel until it recognizes an independent Palestinian state.
Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, has no diplomatic relations with Israel and is a staunch supporter of Palestinian statehood.
The country has repeatedly refused to host Israeli athletes in international competitions, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The Israeli government argues that Palestinian statehood would endanger Israel's existence and amount to a "reward" for Palestinian militant group Hamas after its unprecedented massacre two years ago, which triggered Israel's devastating military campaign in Gaza.
Six Israeli gymnasts - Eyal Indig, Artem Dolgopyat, Ron Pyatov, Lihie Raz, Roni Shamay and Yali Shoshani — had qualified for the Jakarta competition, according to the Indonesian federation.
The IOC said that since it became aware of the situation, it has been in touch with the the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the Indonesian government "to help facilitate a solution.
"Unfortunately, no resolution has been found," the IOC said.
"The IOC very much regrets the situation, especially after the remarkable step towards a peace agreement at the peace summit in Egypt, as witnessed by the president of Indonesia.
"Sport must remain a safe space for athletes to fulfil their dreams; and athletes must not be held responsible for political decisions."
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected two appeals by the Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) for provisional measures in their effort to compete at the event.
The artistic gymnastics world championships start on Sunday in Jakarta and run until October 25.
Category: General Sports
