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≡ FIG WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ≡
The Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), the governing body for gymnastics, issued a short statement on Friday concerning Indonesia’s ban of Israel from the 53rd FIG World Artistic Championships:
“The FIG takes note of the Indonesian government’s decision not to issue visas to the Israeli delegation registered for the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics, which will be held in Jakarta from 19-25 October, and recognises the challenges that the host country has faced in organising this event.
“The FIG hopes that an environment will be created as soon as possible where athletes around the world can enjoy sports safely and with peace of mind.”
Translation: As governmental and religious groups threatened protests (and more) if Israel competed, the FIG is more concerned with having a calm event than making sure all of its member federations can compete.
And the Indonesian government, whose own gymnastics federation actually asked for visas for the Israeli team – in normal course – backed the decision to keep Israel out fully.
The Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir wrote in a Threads post:
“1. We express our appreciation to NOC Indonesia, Indonesia Gymnastics Association (Persani), and Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) as the world gymnastics federation that has understood this situation and taken the necessary steps to ensure that the World Gymnastics Championships can be run safely and orderly.
“2. Never doubt the commitment of the Government and Mr. President in building Indonesian sports to be able to stand in line with the nations of the world.
“3. Indonesia has no diplomatic relations with Israel, we in Kemenpora as part of the Government remain firm on that principle.”
The Times of Israel reported:
“Raja Sapta Oktohari, head of the national Olympic committee, said Indonesia was ready to accept any consequences for blocking the Israeli athletes from competing.
“‘We will review the consequences after the event,’ he said.”
From the FIG, it appears there will be none.
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