It is well known that FIFA’s decision to revoke Indonesia’s position as the U-20 world championship’s host was caused by the outcry that emerged over the involvement of the Israeli national team in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. But how would things play out in other sports competition, like the Bali-hosted 2nd ANOC World Beach Games (AWBG) in 2023, where Israeli competitors would also participate?
Raja Sapta Oktohari, the chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) reassured the public that the event’s arrangements were proceeding in accordance to schedule on Wednesday, 29th of March 2023.
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Okto claims that regular contact is maintained with various stakeholders of ANOC 2023 World Beach Games, including Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, renowned for being one of the most vocal opponents of Israel’s involvement in the U-20 World Cup. “In my opinion, a discussion must be fair and equal. I gave the Bali governor an explanation.”
At the KOI headquarters on the 29th of March, Okto stated, “[We clarified] that this is not the first time KOI conducted such an event, that we are experienced, and that every activity has its specific laws.”
The Israeli team has been regarded as one of the competitors who qualified for the women’s open-water swimming race. Later this year, 1,500 competitors from 130 different nations will participate in Bali for the 2nd ANOC World Beach Games 2023.
The ANOC World Beach Games 2023 will go on as scheduled, according to Okto, who is still optimistic about the situation. “There is no hurdle to date; once again, we will fight for the sportsmanship of the sport,” Okto said.
The absence of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Israel may make it difficult for Israeli competitors to travel to Indonesia before the ANOC World Beach Games 2023. Still, according to Okto, organisers have alternatives in mind.
He claimed that Indonesia was “too big to be minimized in sports.”
Okto provided instances of how the Republic of China (Taiwan) had its banner for its National Olympic Committee and how Russian athletes could still compete in Tokyo’s most recent summer Olympics despite being prohibited from bearing their flag.
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