Israel’s gymnastics federation confirmed that its athletes will not travel to the upcoming World Championships after Indonesia denied visas to the team. The decision came only days before the competition in Jakarta, where several Israeli gymnasts had been scheduled to compete.
The visa refusal stemmed from Indonesia’s policy of not issuing travel documents to citizens of Israel. Officials cited diplomatic considerations, but the move left the Israeli delegation unable to meet entry requirements. “We are deeply disappointed,” said Israeli head coach, Eli Bar‑Rabi. “All of our athletes trained hard for this moment, and it’s painful that politics has stopped them from competing.”
The federation’s announcement followed a brief inquiry to the Indonesian embassy, which confirmed it would not grant visas for the event. Many athletes had already arranged travel, accommodations, and were in peak condition. The withdrawal means Israel will miss the chance to showcase its gymnasts on the world stage and could affect its qualification points for future competitions.
International organizers of the World Championships expressed their regret at the situation but noted they are not responsible for visa issues. The FIG said it remains committed to ensuring all qualified athletes can compete, but it can only collaborate with host nations on regulatory matters.
The news also sparked discussions about sports diplomacy and the impact of geopolitical tensions on athletes. Several sporting bodies urged governments to separate politics from sport to allow competitors to participate fairly.
Fans watching from home will miss Israel’s strong representatives in both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. The federation announced plans to focus on regional events and training in the interim, hoping better diplomatic conditions will allow future participation.
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