“It is insanity, pure insanity. The organisers are cowards. Sport should be a unifier, and it should be above politics.”
The World Bowls Tour (WBT) has ignited a firestorm of controversy after banning Israeli competitors from participating in the prestigious World Indoor Championships, set to be held at Potters Resorts in Norfolk this January.
The decision, outlined in a press release from the WBT Board of Directors, cites escalating political concerns following protests during the Scottish International Open in West Lothian last year.
This unprecedented move has barred Israeli bowlers Daniel Alomin, Amnon Amar, and Itai Rigbi from competing in the World Singles and World Open Pairs categories. The WBT described the decision as “difficult” but claimed it was made to safeguard the “success and integrity” of the event.
“Bowls is, and always has been, a sport that unites people,” the WBT stated. “This choice reflects our commitment to protecting the Championships and ensuring they run smoothly for everyone involved.”
Despite these assurances, the decision has been met with widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the WBT of capitulating to political pressure.
‘Insanity, Pure Insanity’
Rupert Lowe, the Reform UK MP for the constituency hosting the tournament, has been one of the most vocal opponents of the ban.
Writing on Twitter / X, Mr Lowe said: “The World Bowls Tour has banned Israeli competitors from participating in the World Indoor Championships, scheduled to take place in my constituency in January.
“This is following a concerted campaign from the pro-Palestine mob to have these Israelis barred from competing.
“I am genuinely disgusted. As far as I am concerned as the local MP, these individuals are welcome in our constituency.
“What message does this send? If the mob screams and shouts, they can get competitors of a certain nationality banned from entry?
“It is insanity, pure insanity. The organisers are cowards. Sport should be a unifier, and it should be above politics. As the local MP, I will fight this outrageous decision.”
A Dangerous Precedent?
Critics have raised concerns about the broader implications of the WBT’s decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for the politicisation of sport.
Johnny Smith, a retired bowls player and commentator, said: “Bowls has always been about camaraderie and sportsmanship. Decisions like this drag politics onto the green, and that’s not what the sport stands for.”
While the WBT has expressed hope for the return of Israeli competitors in future tournaments, the ban has cast a shadow over the event, which has long been celebrated for its spirit of inclusivity and fair play.
What’s Next?
The WBT has promised to provide updates on the tournament’s schedule and draw, which will now require adjustments following the exclusion of the Israeli players.
However, with the controversy showing no signs of abating, questions remain about whether the World Indoor Championships will proceed without further backlash.
For many, the decision has turned what should have been a celebration of international sport into a bitterly divisive affair—one that has left a significant dent in the reputation of the World Bowls Tour.
As the debate rages on, the question looms: should sport remain above politics, or is it inevitable that global tensions seep onto even the most neutral of stages? For now, one thing is clear—the decision to bar Israeli competitors has not only stirred outrage but also left the world of bowls reeling.
