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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday voiced “great concern” over Indonesia’s decision to deny visas to Israeli athletes scheduled to compete in the upcoming Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, citing Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, Anadolu reports.
“It was with great concern that the IOC learnt that the Indonesian government has denied the Israeli gymnastics team, including athletes and officials, visas to enter the country for the upcoming 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The championships are due to begin on October 19, 2025, and are to be held in Jakarta,” the IOC said in a statement.
Following Indonesia’s decision, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) also rejected Israel’s appeal to participate in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics 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 and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement,” the IOC stated.
The organisation added that it had been in contact with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the IOC member in Indonesia, the country’s National Olympic Committee, and government officials in an attempt to find a resolution.
“Unfortunately, no resolution has been found,” it said, noting that the issue would be reviewed in an upcoming meeting.
The development has drawn attention to what critics view as inconsistent enforcement of IOC policies. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russian athletes were banned from competing under their national flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while Israeli athletes were permitted to do so despite ongoing attacks on Gaza.
A total of 87 Israeli athletes competed under their national flag at the Paris Games while Palestinian sports facilities were being destroyed.
According to Palestinian officials, more than 800 athletes have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive on October 7, 2023, as the sports sector continues to suffer from bombardment, famine, and widespread devastation.
