The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that it will advise all international sports federations not to hold events in Indonesia following the country’s decision to bar Israeli athletes from participating in the ongoing World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.
Indonesia refused to grant visas to the Israeli team due to the country’s military operations in Gaza, a move that has sparked widespread criticism. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation (IGF) described the action as setting a “dangerous precedent” and condemned both Indonesia and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for failing to uphold the principles of open participation in international sport.
In response, the IOC executive board convened this week and decided to halt all dialogue with Indonesia’s National Olympic Committee regarding hosting any future Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Olympic events, or conferences. The decision will remain in place until Indonesia can provide “adequate guarantees” that all participants, regardless of nationality, will be granted access to the country.
The IOC also intends to recommend to all international federations that they refrain from staging events or meetings in Indonesia until assurances of unrestricted participation are confirmed. This unprecedented measure reflects the IOC’s growing insistence on ensuring free and unfettered access for athletes and delegations at international competitions.
Among the athletes affected by Indonesia’s decision is Israeli gymnast Artem Dolgopyat, the defending world floor champion. The 28-year-old won gold in the floor exercise at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver at the Paris 2024 Games. He is also a two-time European champion. Dolgopyat, along with his teammates, was unable to compete after being denied entry to Jakarta, undermining the integrity of the competition and drawing condemnation from the global gymnastics community.
The IGF had sought urgent provisional measures from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to either guarantee Israeli participation or relocate the championships, but the request was rejected. Following the CAS decision, the IOC intervened directly, calling Indonesia’s Olympic committee and the FIG to Lausanne to discuss the matter.
“The IOC took the opportunity to remind all Olympic Movement stakeholders of the importance of free and unfettered access to the respective country for all participants to attend international competitions without restrictions,” the executive board stated.
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Despite prior assurances from organizers that the Israeli delegation would be welcome, the country’s decision to block entry has caused international backlash.
The IOC’s response marks a rare escalation in its efforts to enforce its principles. While the organization has previously condemned boycotts and political interference in sport, the directive against Indonesia signals a firmer stance on guaranteeing participation rights, particularly for nations and athletes facing diplomatic or political barriers.
The decision also raises questions about Indonesia’s ability to host future international competitions and its role in the Olympic Movement. By suspending discussions on future events, the IOC is sending a clear message that access for all participants is a non-negotiable principle.
For the athletes affected, including Dolgopyat, the situation has been deeply disappointing. The denial of participation not only impacts competitive outcomes but also raises concerns about the safety and fairness of international competitions when politics interfere.
The IOC’s warning to international federations is expected to have long-term ramifications for Indonesia’s sporting calendar. Federations are likely to reconsider scheduling major events in the country until assurances are provided that all athletes will be allowed entry, irrespective of nationality.
As the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships continue without Israel’s participation, the controversy highlights the ongoing tension between politics and sport. The IOC’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining the Olympic values of inclusivity, fairness, and equal opportunity for all athletes around the world.
