Indonesia’s government has made headlines following the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) call to bar the country from hosting any major international sports events. This decision comes after Indonesia’s Minister of Sport, Erick Thohir, denied visas to the Israeli gymnastics team for the World Championships held in Jakarta, drawing global criticism and prompting the IOC to issue its recommendation. Thohir defended the decision, citing the need to protect national security, public order, and sovereignty, a stance that aligns with Indonesia’s long-standing support for the Palestinian cause. The move has intensified discussions about the intersection of sports and geopolitics, with figures such as Morinari Watanabe, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), calling for the protection of athlete rights while acknowledging the Indonesian government’s concerns. The event has also highlighted the broader context of how international sports events increasingly reflect and influence political dynamics. Similar restrictions have been applied to Israeli teams across various sports, including football and cycling, with fans also being barred from attending events due to safety concerns. This trend demonstrates the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on the global sports landscape, raising questions about the future of international sports cooperation and the rights of athletes in politically sensitive situations.