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International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged sports federations to avoid hosting events Indonesia and stalled 2036 Olympic bid negotiations, when the nation banned Israeli gymnasts from the world championships.
The IOC will resume discussions only if the Indonesian government provides assurances that all athletes, regardless of nationality, will be eligible to compete in future competitions.
Indonesia has repeatedly expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, but Wednesday’s IOC decision effectively ends the country’s hopes of securing the Games.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, had earlier this month refused visas to Israeli gymnasts. israelDue to the military offensive in Gaza, they could not participate in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships that started last week in Jakarta.
Commenting on the decision at the time, Senior Legal Affairs Minister Yusril Ihja Mahendra cited objections to Israel’s involvement from the government in Jakarta and groups such as the Council of Islamic Clerics.
The Israel Gymnastics Federation described Indonesia’s decision as shocking and heartbreaking.
The IOC also said in its statement on Wednesday that it would change qualification principles to include guaranteeing access for all athletes, regardless of nationality, to any qualification event for the Olympic Games.
It also ordered the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to attend a meeting at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne to discuss the matter. The date of the meeting was not mentioned in this.
Indonesia has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel and has strongly criticized Israel over the Gaza war even after a ceasefire took effect this month.