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Athletes

IOC Calls for Boycott of Indonesian Events Over Visa Ban on Israeli Athletes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The International Olympic Committee has recommended a global boycott of sporting events in Indonesia after the country banned Israeli athletes from participating in the ongoing gymnastics world championships in Jakarta. The IOC's executive board stated that it would "cease any form of dialogue" with Indonesia regarding hosting future Olympic events due to the country's refusal to grant visas to Israeli athletes. The decision comes as Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians, and the scheduled participation of Israeli athletes had sparked intense opposition within the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IOC has recommended a global boycott of sporting events in Indonesia after the country banned Israeli athletes from participating in the ongoing gymnastics world championships.
  • The IOC's executive board stated that it would "cease any form of dialogue" with Indonesia regarding hosting future Olympic events.
  • Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians, and the scheduled participation of Israeli athletes had sparked intense opposition within the country.
  • The IOC emphasized that all eligible athletes, teams, and sports officials must be able to participate in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination by the host country.
  • Indonesia is among the countries considering a bid to host the 2036 Olympics, alongside India and Qatar.
  • The IOC has invited the Indonesian Olympic committee to discuss the issue at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Indonesia has a history of refusing to host Israeli delegations, dating back to the 1962 Asian Games when Israel and Taiwan were excluded from Jakarta.

Statistics:

  • 86 teams were registered to compete in the gymnastics world championships in Jakarta.
  • The Israeli delegation included 2020 Olympic gold medalist Artem Dolgopyat in the men's floor exercise.
  • The Indonesian government officially stated that Israeli athletes would not be granted visas to participate in the world championships.
  • 2030 and 2032 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris and Brisbane, respectively.
  • Indonesia has hosted the Asian Games in 1962 but excluded Israel and Taiwan from participating.
  • FIFA awarded the Under-17 World Cup to Indonesia in 2020, but Israel was not among the qualifying teams.

Sources:

  • "IOC executes stand on Indonesia over Israeli ban" by New Delhi Times on October 24.
  • "IOC calls off talk with Indonesia over Israeli visa ban for major sporting events" by New Delhi Times on October 24.
  • "India, Qatar bid for 2036 Olympics amidst Indonesia boycott row" by New Delhi Times on October 24.
  • "Indonesia stripped of hosting rights for soccer's Under-20 World Cup in 2023 amid Israel row" by New Delhi Times on October 24.
  • "FIFA awards Under-17 World Cup to Indonesia in 2020" by FIFA official website on 2020.

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