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The Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) confirmed that its national security team allowed its athletes to enter Indonesia for the World Gymnastics Championships last month, despite the Indonesian government blocking athletes’ entry into the country, citing security concerns.
An IGF spokesperson confirmed to PK Press Club Digital that the country’s security team had given clearance to its athletes.
“We received permission from Israeli security authorities to participate in the World Championship subject to the necessary security protocols in place. From our side, all preparations were completed – registration processes, entry visas to Indonesia and confirmation from Israeli security authorities,” the IGF said.
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Silver medalist Team Israel celebrates on the podium during the rhythmic gymnastics group general final medal ceremony on the fifteenth day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena on August 10, 2024, in Paris, France. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Israeli male gymnast Eyal Indig previously told PK Press Club Digital that his country’s security team gave him and his teammates permission to enter the city, citing decades-long security measures implemented by the country’s sports teams since the 1972 Munich Olympics, when eight terrorists associated with the Black September group sneaked into the Olympic Village as part of a botched mission to take Israeli athletes hostage.
“For us it was very strange,” Indig said. “This same security did a scan a week before our flight, in Indonesia, they were in Indonesia, and they cleared everything in terms of security. So we had full clearance from the Israeli security team, and you can believe me they wouldn’t allow anything that wasn’t safe. And our federation kept telling us it was safe.”
Indig later called the Indonesian decision “a blatant incident of discrimination based on nationality.”
The Indonesian Embassy in the United States responded to PK Press Club Digital’s request for comment by stating: “The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia has no further comments to share on this matter. »
Indonesian Sports Minister Erick Thohir previously defended his country’s decision in a statement released in the last week of October.
“We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order and public interest by hosting every international event,” Thohir said.
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Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country and has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinians. The planned participation of Israeli athletes has sparked intense opposition in the country.
Indonesia had already been stripped of its right to host the Under-20 FIFA World Cup when the governor of Bali refused to host the Israel team in a match.
The IGF further condemned Indonesia’s refusal in a statement provided to PK Press Club Digital.
“We consider the decision to ban the Israeli national gymnastics team from competing at the World Championships in Indonesia to be both outrageous and deeply troubling for the integrity of international sport,” the statement said. “This decision is in complete contradiction with the fundamental principles of sport and fair competition and represents a dangerous slippery slope towards the exclusion of athletes on the basis of political, religious or social considerations.
“Behind these words are athletes who have dedicated their lives to excellence. They have worked tirelessly and deserve an equal chance to demonstrate their abilities like every other gymnast.
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Team Israel competes in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Group All-Around Final on the fifteenth day of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Porte de la Chapelle Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
“The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) chose to stand by and allow the exclusion of the Israeli delegation, thereby giving the Indonesian government the approval it sought. But we will not remain silent. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation and the Israeli Olympic Committee have appealed to CAS, and we hope for a clear and definitive decision that will prevent this from happening again.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is recommending that no international sporting events be held in Indonesia after the country excluded the Israeli national gymnastics team from the world championships in Jakarta. Additionally, the IOC is ending any discussions with Indonesia regarding hosting the Olympic Games in the future.
