Jakarta: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Friday expressed "great concern" about Indonesia's refusal to issue visas for Israeli athletes for the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships due to the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, the IOC stated that it was with significant concern that they learned about the Indonesian government's decision to deny the Israeli gymnastics team, including athletes and officials, visas for the upcoming 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The championships are scheduled to start on 19 October 2025 in Jakarta.

Following Indonesia's refusal to issue visas for the Israeli athletes, the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has also rejected Israel's appeal to participate in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. The IOC emphasized their clear stance that all eligible athletes, teams, and sports officials must be able to participate in international sports competitions without any form of discrimination from the host country, in line with the Olympic Charter and fundamental principles.

Since becoming aware of the situation, the IOC has been in contact with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the IOC Member in Indonesia, the National Olympic Committee, and the Indonesian government to facilitate a solution. However, no resolution has been achieved. The IOC mentioned that Indonesia's decision would be evaluated at an upcoming meeting.

In a related context, after Russia's war on Ukraine began in 2022, the IOC banned Russia from the 2024 Paris Olympics, allowing its athletes to compete only as neutrals. During this period, Israeli athletes competed under their flag in the Paris Olympics as Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continued.

The 87 Israeli athletes who traveled to France in 2024 participated under Israel's flag, while Palestinians and their sports facilities were targeted. More than 800 athletes have been killed in Gaza since Israel's offensive started on Oct. 7, 2023, as the sports community suffers under bombardment, famine, and infrastructure collapse, as reported by Palestinian officials.