Judo champion is banned for five months for making the sign of the cross when he competed at Olympic Games

A judo champion has been shocked by the decision to ban him for five months after making the sign of the cross at this year’s Olympic Games.

The 28-year-old Serbian athlete Nemanja Majdov has been banned from competing until early next year by the International Judo Federation (IJF) after allegedly “showing a clear religious sign upon entering the field of play”, which is against the organisation’s rules.

Footage of Majdov shows the athlete openly making the sign of the cross during the Olympic Games, which will be held in Paris on July 31 this year.

Now, a few weeks later, he has been suspended by the IJF.

Majdov posted his thoughts on the decision on Instagram, saying he felt “it’s a shame that such a beautiful and difficult sport as judo has ended up in such situations.”

However, he made no apologies for making the sign of the cross and plans to return to the sport later next year.

Speaking about his Christian faith, Majdov – who has posted several photos of himself on Instagram folding his hands in prayer before the match – said: ‘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.’

In his post he wrote: ’15 days ago I received a decision that I have been suspended for 5 months by the World Judo Federation (IJF) for violating their religious codes.

More precisely, because [making a sign of the cross] when participating in a competition at the Olympic Games.

‘I was not allowed to participate in all tournaments, training camps and preparations.

‘That’s right, in the defense letter of the disciplinary procedure I did not want to apologize… and of course I have not done so and I never will, even though 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.

“For me personally it is nothing new, just a new page in my career and a new life experience. I think it is a shame that such a beautiful and difficult sport as judo has fallen into such things.”

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

‘He gave us much more and even lent us too much, so that I would bow my head to them when it came to one thing or another.

‘Until then we rest, and then with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ we will return to new beginnings and new victories.’

Several Serbian athletes have expressed their support for Majdov, including tennis champion Novak Djokovic, Orthodox times defeated.

The commotion is also likely to upset others who have previously expressed concerns that the Olympics would be “disrespectful” to their faith.

Christians including Elon Musk fiercely criticized the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics for an apparent parody featuring transvestites and a blue man of the Last Supper – a painting by Leonardo da Vinci depicting Jesus’ last meal with his disciples.

Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk, who has been criticized for his conservative views, called the act “extremely disrespectful to Christians.”

He added: ‘Christianity has become toothless.’

The French Bishops’ Conference said it “deeply regretted” the parody, while American Catholic Bishop Robert Barron called it a “gross mockery”.

The IJF said in a statement that Majdov had violated a rule on “displaying religious signs” and other policies.

The organization said he had refused to “bow to his opponent at the end of the match” and for ‘removing [his] judogi on the playing field’.

Majdov had previously been warned not to make the sign of the cross during separate incidents in April 2018 and February 2022, and was also told that he would face “a disciplinary session” after repeated violations.

The IJF statement read: ‘It should be noted that the athlete has not contested either warning. His claim that he is not aware of the rule prohibiting the display of religious, political, ethnic or other signs on the judo playing field is therefore not correct.’

It was further stated that the rules regarding making the sign of the cross only apply to times when an athlete is competing and not ‘outside the field of play’.

The statement said: “The IJF respects and values ​​all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes.

‘As an international umbrella organisation, it is our job to ensure that all our stakeholders, and especially the athletes, feel respected and accepted at all our events and activities.

‘Our rules regarding the display of religious or other signs apply exclusively to the playing field, a space reserved exclusively for judo and where only the signs and rules specific to judo are visible, equally for everyone.

‘The IJF does not prohibit the practice of religions or religious expressions outside the field of play, as we continue to respect the individual freedom of each member of our community.’