'They wanted me to apologize, I will not' - Judo champion says after he's banned for five months for making the sign of the cross at Olympic Games

Thursday, September 19, 2024 - A judo champion has expressed his surprise by a decision to suspend him for five months after he made the sign of the cross while taking part in this year's Olympic Games.

Serbian athlete Nemanja Majdov, 28, was told by the International Judo Federation (IJF) that he has been banned from competing until early next year for 'having shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play' in breach of the organisation's rules.

During the Olympics, held this year in Paris, on July 31, Majdov was seen making a sign of the cross.

Weeks later he got a suspension from the IJF.

Posting his thoughts on the decision on Instagram, Majdov said he was 'sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things.'

He was however unapologetic for having made a sign of the cross and plans to return to the sport later next year.

Speaking about his Christian faith, Majdov who has several photographs of himself on Instagram clasping his hands together in prayer before competing, said;

'15 days ago I received a decision that I was suspended for 5 months by the World Judo Federation (IJF) for violating their religious codes.

'More precisely, because of [making a sign of the cross] when entering a match at the Olympic Games.

'I was banned from participating in all tournaments, camps and preparations.

'True, in the defence letter of the disciplinary proceedings I did not want to apologise... and of course I did not, nor will I ever, although I did not even know what the punishment could be.'

'The Lord has given me everything, both for me personally and for my career, and he is number 1 for me and I am proud of that. And that will not change under any circumstances. Glory to Him and thanks for everything.

'Nothing new for me personally, just a new page in my career and a new life experience. I'm sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things.'

God gave me a great career, 7 European and 3 world medals. When I started, I dreamed of winning at least one big medal and thus succeeding in my life and the life of my family, who sacrificed everything for my career.