Olympian banned for 5 months after refusing to apologize for religious gesture

Serbian judo world champion Nemanja Majdov has been banned for five months after refusing to apologize for making a religious gesture at the Paris Olympics. Majdov made the Christian sign of a cross before his bout against Greece’s Theodoros Tselidis.
Majdov, 28, was punished by the International Judo Federation on Wednesday and will be banned from competing until early next year for “having shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play”, which is in breach of the organization’s rules.
The IJF forbids athletes from making religious gestures and has “zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or provocation that may impact our athletes’ performance.” Having received his punishment, Majdov responded on Instagram.
He wrote: “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.”
Majdov added that he was “sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things.” He remained unapologetic for his gesture and continued to add about his Christian faith: “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.
Despite his ban, he continued to insist that he will return when his ban expires. “Nothing new for me personally, just a new page in my career and a new life experience,” he added.
“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.
“He gave us a lot more, and even borrowed too much so that I would bow my head in front of them when it came either-or. We will rest until then, and then we will return with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ to a new beginning and new victories.”
The IJF issued the punishment after claiming to have already warned Majdov about his religious signs in April 2018 and February 2022. A statement read: “It must be noted that the athlete did not contest either of the two warnings, therefore, his claims of not knowing about the rule which forbids the display of any religious, political, ethnic or other sign on the field of play in judo, are not accurate.”
“The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes,” the statement continued. “As an international umbrella organization, it is our duty to make sure that all our stakeholders and especially the athletes, feel respected and accepted, in all our events and activities.
“Our rules regarding the display of religious or other signs is strictly related to the field of play, which is a space dedicated exclusively for judo and where only the judo specific signs and rules are on display, equally for all. The IJF does not forbid the practice of religions or religious signs outside the field of play, as we continue to respect the individual freedom of each member of our community.”
Majdov has received support from fellow Serbian athletes, including Novak Djokovic, as reported by the Orthodox Times. Majdov was also punished for “refusing to bow” to Tselidis after he lost the Round of 16 elimination match according to the IJF.