IOC draws red line with Indonesia over Israel visa row, 2036 Olympic dreams in jeopardy

When it comes to power, influence, and integrity in global sports, few institutions carry the weight of the International Olympic Committee. And this week — the IOC has reminded the entire sporting world what real authority looks like. They’ve issued a stern call to every sports federation on the planet. They are clear — do not host events in Indonesia. Because Indonesia denied visas to Israeli athletes for the ongoing Gymnastics World Championships.

IOC takes tough stand to withhold Olympic ideal

Not only has the IOC taken note, but Indonesia’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympic Games may now be as good as dead.

So the question is — is the IOC the only body still standing up for the Olympic spirit? It all began more than a century ago. The year was 1896 — when the modern Olympic Games were revived by Pierre de Coubertin. The purpose was simple — to promote peace, understanding, and unity through competition.

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But in 2025, that Olympic ideal seems long forgotten. Because while most sports federations stay quiet, only the IOC is actually walking the talk. The IOC has recommended all global sports federations stop hosting events in Indonesia after the country barred Israeli gymnasts from entering for the World Championships.

And let’s be clear — Indonesia’s decision wasn’t just a diplomatic move. It was a direct attack on the Olympic spirit itself. Even though the concern was war, Indonesia went ahead with the suspension, even when US President Donald Trump’s peace plan came into motion.

And despite the outrage — Indonesia is refusing to back down.

“We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order, and public interest in every international event organised. We understand that this decision carries consequences, wherein as long as Indonesia cannot accept the presence of Israel,” Indonesia Sports Minister Erick Thohir said.

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Indonesia set to lose Olympics bid?

That single statement may have just cost Indonesia its Olympic dreams. Because the IOC has made it clear that talks for Indonesia’s 2036 Olympic bid are off the table too.

And Indonesia isn’t alone in this growing pattern. Just days ago — UK security officials denied entry to Israeli football fans for a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa, despite the British Prime Minister’s objections.

Before that — an Israeli cycling team was stopped from competing in Italy. And calls to suspend Israeli teams from European football still echo in various countries.

Yet, despite this rising hypocrisy, most sports federations remain silent. The UCI, cycling’s top body, stayed quiet when Israel’s team was banned. No statements, no sanctions, no courage. Which leaves the IOC standing alone.

And this isn’t a one-off. Under IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the committee has shown remarkable consistency. When asked about former US President Donald Trump’s policies ahead of the LA Games, Coventry didn’t mince words.

“President Trump is a huge supporter of sport. It will take sitting down and having a good conversation with him, sharing with him our values and where we want to be. And, you know, being very clear on the different priorities for us as a movement,” she said.

A subtle, diplomatic but firm reminder that the IOC answers to no one’s politics.

And it’s not just talk — the IOC has backed those words with action. Remember the Paris Olympics? France had banned its athletes from wearing the hijab. Yet when Dutch runner Sifan Hassan won gold and wore her hijab proudly on the podium, the IOC didn’t object. They didn’t debate it. They respected her choice. That was Olympic freedom in its purest form.

And that’s exactly what makes the decision on Indonesia so powerful. Maybe just like the 1896 edition, it will be the IOC once again setting the example for the rest of the world to follow.