Israeli Athletes Barred from IPC Event in Malaysia

(ATR) The International Paralympic Committee says it's working to find a solution to allow Israeli para-swimmers to compete at the 2019 World Para-Swimming Championships in Malaysia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Israeli swimmers would be denied visas for the event. Athletes from more than 70 countries are expected to compete in a qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

"If they want to withdraw Malaysia’s right to host the championship, they can do so," Mohamad said reported by AFP.

An IPC spokesperson toldAround the Ringsthis was the "first [cases] we have had to deal with" involving athlete discrimination.The IPC said it was "disappointed" in Mohamad’s comments, but would not immediately withdraw hosting duties.

"We will continue to pursue every single avenue with the Local Organising Committee, Malaysian National Paralympic Committee and State Government to try and ensure that all of the world’s best swimmers can compete at this event as World Championships should be open to all eligible nations," an IPC spokesperson added. "We aim to find a solution to this issue."

Mohamad’s decision would be another example of Israeli athletes being denied the right to compete at international sport events in recent years. The International Judo Federation reinstated its Abu Dhabi Grand Prix only after assurances were given that Israeli athletes would be given visas to compete, and the Israeli flag was barred from being shown at the federation’s Tunis Grand Prix.

Tunisia had denied the Israeli flag from being shown at a World Baseball Softball Confederation Congress in the country, setting off a row in 2014. Tunisia’s bid for the 2022 Youth Olympic Games was suspended by the IOC as it investigated discriminatory practices.

The IOC sent a letter to international sport federations late last year reminding them to get assurances from countries that athletes from all countries would be able to compete before awarding events. The letter came after the IOC worked with the Spanish government to ensure Kosovar athletes would be able to compete in events in the country. Previously the IOC warned that unless the situation was resolved Spain could be at risk at losing the rights to host future events.

When asked if the IPC was consulting the IOC over the situation in Malaysia, the spokesperson said, "We reach out to the IOC all the time. They are our partners."

Written by Aaron Bauer

For general comments or questions, click here .

25 Years at # 1: Your best source for news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com , for subscribers only.