World Beach Games canceled after host Bali pulls out

FILE–A handout picture provided by the Association of National Olympic Committees on October 14, 2019, shows the Group B China vs Argentina match in the men’s beach basketball competition at Doha’s Katara Beach, on the fourth day of the 1st ANOC World Beach Games. (Photo by ANOC / AFP) 

The 2023 Association of National Olympic Committees World Beach Games have been canceled after the Indonesian island of Bali pulled out as host a month before the event’s scheduled start, organizers said Tuesday.

The withdrawal at such short notice left no time to find a suitable host replacement, ANOC said in a statement posted on the event’s official Instagram account.

“There is no option but to cancel this year’s edition of the Games in Bali in August as well as the ANOC General Assembly,” it said.

“A decision will be taken in the coming weeks regarding a new location and dates” for the general assembly, ANOC added.

Bali’s local organizing committee (LOC) said it decided to withdraw as host after its budget for the games “was not released” by the Indonesian government, according to ANOC.

More than 100 Olympic member countries were due to take part in the second edition of the games, which includes beach and watersports like volleyball, surfing and aquathlon.

“ANOC is very disappointed by the LOC’s actions which will deny athletes from 100 qualified NOCs (national Olympic committees) from fulfilling their ambitions of competing at the Games,” ANOC said.

The Games’ status was already cast in doubt after local media reports said Bali Governor Wayan Koster would refuse to support Israel’s presence if it was confirmed to take part.

The ANOC cancellation statement made no mention of Bali’s stance on Israeli participation.

Indonesia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations and support for the Palestinian cause in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation runs high.

In March, Indonesia lost the hosting rights to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after Koster expressed opposition to Israel’s participation, with their games set to be played on the resort island.

The tournament was instead hosted by Argentina in May and June.