During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Nemanja Majdov made a sign of the cross while competing. He’s now been suspended from competing for that action.
The 28-year-old Serbian judo world champion was suspended for five months by International Judo Federation (IJF) over the action which the organization said violates its code of conduct, The Christian Post reported.
The sport’s body’s Disciplinary Commission noted Majdov was charged with “having showed a clear religious sign when entering the field of play and having refused to bow your opponent at the end of the contest.”
‘I Heard…a Voice’: Blind Man Shares Miraculous Escape From 9/11 World Trade Center Attack
Beyond that, he was accused of removing his judogi, or uniform, “in the field of play.”
After the five-month suspension was announced, Majdov took to social media to respond.
Teacher Jailed For Third Time For Refusing To Endorse And Affirm School’s Transgender Ideology
“The Lord has given me everything, both for me personally and for my career, and he is number one for me and I am proud of that. And that will not change under any circumstances. Glory to Him and thanks for everything,” he said, according to a Google translation of the statement, which was originally posted in Serbian.
“Nothing new for me personally, just a new page in my career and a new life experience,” he continued. “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.”
Meanwhile, the IJF released a statement on Sept. 18 attempting to counter what it said are “numerous false claims and erroneous information that are currently circulating in the public domain.”
‘Abortion isn’t Healthcare’: Thousands Unite For March For Life UK, In London
“[Majdov] was charged for, ‘Having shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play and having refused to bow to his opponent at the end of the contest,’ which is a violation of the IJF Code of Ethics, version 27 February 2023, Article 3 and for ‘Having removed your judogi in the field of play’ which is a violation of the IJF Sport and Organisation Rules (SOR) Article 8.6,” the group affirmed.
The IJF continued, “It shall also be noted that the athlete had antecedent incidents involving conduct, breaching the IJF Code of Ethics. The athlete was warned by letter in April 2018 and again in February 2022, about behavior that was contrary to the IJF SOR.”
The organization said the Code of Ethics is aimed at protecting the ethical principles of the sport and that the IJF “respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes.”
Vermont Health Department Tells Schools Not to Use Words Like ‘Son’ or ‘Daughter’, Be Gender-Neutral
The organization said the goal is to ensure everyone feels “respected and accepted” at affiliated events.
While religious acts are precluded inside the field of play, the IJF does not restrict them outside of these areas, according to the statement.
Based on the suspension, Majdov will be able to compete again early next year, when restrictions lift.
