October 21, 2025
As published in Indonesian media outlet Kabar Terdepan
Israeli gymnast Lihi Raz shares her personal reflection after being unable to compete in Jakarta—and why sport should remain a space of connection beyond politics:
When I learned that my teammates and I would not be able to compete at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, I felt a deep sadness and confusion.
For months, we trained relentlessly for what was meant to be the highlight of our season. We dreamed of performing on the world stage, meeting other athletes, and sharing our love for gymnastics.
But this time, that dream ended before it began. We were informed that we could not participate. It is a difficult feeling — not anger, but sorrow. After so much dedication and preparation, the thought that we would not be allowed to even step onto the mat felt deeply discouraging.
As an athlete, I’ve always believed that sport has the power to bring people together, even across borders and differences. On the mat, we all speak the same language — of movement, rhythm, and discipline. No flag determines how high we leap or how steady we balance; what matters is the heart we bring into our performance.
This experience has made me reflect on what sport truly means. It is more than competition. It is a place where young people learn respect, courage, and fairness — values that transcend nationality or politics. I still believe in those values.
I understand that every country, including Indonesia, carries its own history and political perspectives. I do not wish to argue with that. What I hope is that, one day, all athletes — regardless of where they come from — will be able to share the same arena, united by the same passion for sport.
For me, this is not about politics; it is about people. About the athletes who train, dream, and hope to inspire others. When we are kept apart, we all lose a little of what makes sport beautiful.
My wish is simple: that sport will remain a bridge, not a barrier — a space where effort and humanity matter more than nationality, and where we can still meet, learn, and respect one another, even in a world of differences.
As for me personally, this is the first time I have faced something like this — being unable to compete not because of my ability, but because of where I come from. It’s a strange and painful feeling, a mix of disappointment and longing.
Sport is supposed to be free of politics. That belief is what inspired me as a young gymnast, and it is what continues to guide me today. I truly hope this will be the last time something like this happens — for any athlete, from any country.
Statement from Sarit Shneor, CEO of the Israel Gymnastics Federation:
We are deeply disappointed by the CAS decision regarding the participation of the Israeli delegation in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Indonesia. The rules are clear, and Indonesia’s actions constitute a blatant violation of them. It is inconceivable that a country can bar another nation from competing in a World Championship while the governing bodies stand by.
This decision undermines the very foundations of sport and fair competition, and it delivers a severe blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly for this moment. We are reviewing the details of the ruling and considering our next steps, while remaining committed to protecting the rights of our athletes and ensuring that Israeli sport continues to stand proudly on the international stage.
About the Israel Gymnastics Federation
Founded in 1950, the Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) oversees artistic, rhythmic, and acrobatic gymnastics nationwide. It is a full member of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the Olympic Committee of Israel, representing hundreds of competitive gymnasts in local and international arenas. The Federation promotes values of inclusion, discipline, and excellence, fostering cooperation and friendship through sport across borders.
About Lihi Raz
Lihi Raz is a member of Israel’s Olympic Gymnastics Team and a finalist in multiple international competitions. She writes here in a personal capacity to reflect on fairness, inclusion, and the spirit of sport.
