From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Israel gymnastics group appeals Indonesia’s decision to bar its athletes
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleThe Israel Gymnastics Federation is appealing Indonesia’s decision to block the country’s gymnasts from competing in a world championship, calling the move by the world’s largest Muslim-majority country “outrageous.”
The Southeast Asian nation said on Friday it had denied visas to Israeli gymnasts amid an outcry over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, costing Israeli athletes a spot in this month’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Jakarta. A ceasefire in the Gaza war took effect on Friday.
In an emailed statement, the Israeli federation calls Indonesia’s decision “both outrageous and deeply troubling for the integrity of international sport.”
It says it has submitted an urgent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking an injunction to allow Israeli athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Artem Dolgopyat, to participate in the competition.
“We intend to challenge this decision with every means available,” the group says.
Indonesia, which has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, cited objections from groups such as a council of Islamic clerics and the local government in the capital Jakarta, where the championship will be held from October 19, for its decision to bar the athletes.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.