An Olympian has been suspended from international judo competitions for five months after making the sign of the cross during the Paris Games, a violation of the sport’s rules. Serbia’s Nemanja Majdov faces a five-month suspension from the International Judo Federation for violating at least two rules during a match in Paris: 1) displaying “a clear religious sign when entering the field of play” and not bowing to his opponent, and 2) removing his uniform in the field of play, according to the International Judo Federation.
Specifically, Majdov made the sign of the cross prior to his match. Majdov lost in the round of 16 and is ranked third in the world in his weight class, according to The New York Post.
He said he has no regrets.
“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,” he wrote on social media. “And that will not change under any circumstances. Glory to Him, and thanks for everything.”
He won gold at the European Judo Championships in 2023. He also competed at the 2020 Olympics.
“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,” Majdov said. “He gave us a lot more.”
The International Judo Federation defended the suspension and said it had warned Majdov after he made the sign of the cross at previous matches.
Serbian judoka Nemanja Majdov, has been disqualified for 5 months for making a Christian cross symbol during a match.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) September 19, 2024
The International Judo Federation previously gave the athlete 2 warnings for making Christian symbols for showing his faith in God.
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“The IJF Code of Ethics is meant to protect the ethical values and moral principles of our sport. The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes,” IJF said. “As an international umbrella organisation, 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.”
The organization added, “According to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, currently more than 110 international conflicts are being monitored around the world. … Regardless of their nature, in general, these conflicts involve politics, religion, and ethical considerations. With 205-member national federations, each representing a different country or recognised territory (associate members), it is the duty of the IJF to ensure that the field of play is reserved for judo and governed exclusively by the rules of our sport. We have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or provocation that may impact our athletes’ performance.”
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Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.