In a triumphant reversal, the World Bowls Tour (WBT) has announced that Israeli competitors will now be allowed to participate in the World Indoor Championships later this month in Great Yarmouth.
The decision, which comes after intense public pressure and widespread condemnation, marks a significant victory against the hateful tactics of a group of pro-Palestinian campaigners who had lobbied for their exclusion.
The U-turn follows a storm of controversy ignited by the initial ban, which saw Israeli bowlers Daniel Alomin, Amnon Amar, and Itai Rigbi barred from the event. Critics labelled the ban as a capitulation to political pressure after protests disrupted last year’s Scottish International Open in West Lothian.
Standing Up to the Bullies
For many, this reversal is not just about bowls—it’s about taking a stand against the intimidation and divisive tactics that have marred the streets of Britain in recent months. The reinstatement of the Israeli team sends a clear message: Britain will not bow to the bullies.
A vocal critic of the ban, welcomed the decision saying:
“This is a victory for common sense and for sport as a unifying force. The World Bowls Tour has done the right thing, and I thank them for their apology to those affected. Let this be a lesson—giving in to hate mobs will only strengthen their grip. Standing up to them is the only way forward.”
Local MP Rupert Lowe who had helped lead the charge challenging the WBT’s decision said: “Fantastic news to finish the year. I’ve been in contact with the Israeli competitors who were banned from attending the bowls championship in my constituency following a concerted hate campaign from the pro-Palestine mob. They CAN now compete, the decision has been reversed following public pressure.
“This is how you deal with the bullies taking to the streets of OUR country every weekend. Stand up to them, don’t accept their hateful tactics. The Israeli team will be welcomed in Great Yarmouth, and I wish them well for the event. The World Bowls Tour have made the right decision. I thank them for that, and their apology to the individuals involved.
“Wonderful news – 2025 is the year we fight back against the hate mob.”
A Warm Welcome Awaits in Great Yarmouth
The Israeli team will now be warmly welcomed to Norfolk’s Potters Resorts, where the Championships will begin later this month. The players have expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received and are eager to compete on the international stage.
Fans and players alike are celebrating the decision as a victory for inclusivity and fair play. Former bowls commentator Johnny Smith said:
“This is what bowls is all about—sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unity. Keeping politics off the green is essential to preserving the integrity of the game.”
Apology from the World Bowls Tour
The World Bowls Tour has apologised to the Israeli players for their initial decision, acknowledging that it was the wrong call. In a statement, a spokesperson said:
“Bowls has always been a sport that unites people. We deeply regret the decision to exclude competitors from Israel and are committed to ensuring this mistake is not repeated. We look forward to welcoming them to the Championships.”
The reinstatement has been hailed as a turning point for the sport, with many hoping it will set a precedent for keeping politics out of bowls in the future.
2025: Fighting Back Against Hate
This reversal is being seen as part of a broader movement to push back against the rising tide of hostility and division seen across Britain. As calls grow for stronger leadership against those who seek to disrupt and intimidate, this decision offers hope that sport—and society—can rise above the noise.
With the Israeli team now reinstated, attention can return to the green, where bowlers from around the world will compete in the spirit of sportsmanship. The World Bowls Tour may have stumbled, but they’ve ended up on the right side of history.
Wonderful news to start the year—2025 is the year Britain fights back against hate.
To find out more about the World Championships taking place between the 10TH JANUARY – 26TH JANUARY 2025 click here.
Main Image: For Illustration Purposes Only. Image created using AI / Grok.
