TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has forced Iran, Iraq, and Kuwait to withdraw from the Asian Fencing Championship 2025 at the Bali International Convention Centre, Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, from June 17-23.Firtian Judiswandarta, Secretary General of the Indonesian Fencing Association (PB Ikasi), said that the three countries' absence was due to unavoidable force majeure circumstances."They were unable to travel to Indonesia because of the war between Israel and Iran. Even the Kuwaiti team, who were already on their plane, had to cancel their flight. All three countries have formally apologized," Firtian explained in a written statement released in Jakarta on Monday.As a result, the number of participating countries in the championship has decreased from 30 to 27, which is significant as the event is a crucial opportunity for athletes to accumulate points for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Firtian expressed his concern regarding the geopolitical situation's impact on the sports world. "On behalf of PB Ikasi, I express my deep concern about the war between Iran and Israel. Hopefully, this situation will end soon," he remarked.The championship is scheduled to be officially opened by Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Asian Fencing Confederation (FCA), on Tuesday, June 17. The opening ceremony will showcase Indonesia's unique Nusantara culture through a fencing dance performance by Balinese artists."We will present a fencing dance created by Balinese artists at the opening ceremony. This shows our seriousness in welcoming the trust placed in us by the Asian Fencing Federation, as well as supporting Bali's tourism," Firtian added.Editor's Choice: Indonesian Tennis Player Janice Tjen Wins Two Titles at ITF W35 Luzhou TournamentClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News