Judo champion banned for making sign of the cross at Olympics Games

A judo champion has been left floored 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 including for 'having shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play' in breach of the organisation's rules.

Footage of Majdov shows the athlete openly making a sign of the cross at the Olympics, held this year in Paris, on July 31.

Now just weeks later he has received 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 included several photographs of himself on Instagram clasping his hands together in prayer before competing - 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.' 

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His post stated: '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.'

He continued: '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.'

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

The furore is likely to perturb others who had already expressed concerns over the Olympics being 'disrespectful' to their faith.

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Christians including Elon Musk slammed the Paris Olympics opening ceremony for an apparent parody featuring drag queens 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 come under criticism for his conservative beliefs, claimed the performance was 'extremely disrespectful to Christians'.

He added: 'Christianity has become toothless.'

The Conference of French bishops said they 'very deeply deplored' the parody, while US Catholic Bishop Robert Barron called it a 'gross mockery'.

In a statement, the IJF said Majdov had breached a rule on 'displaying religious signs' as well as other policies.

The organisation said he had refused 'to bow to his opponent at the end of the contest' and for 'having removed [his] judogi in the field of play'.

Majdov it added had been warned previously about making a sign of the cross during separate incidents in April 2018 and February 2022 and was informed he would face 'a disciplinary session' after any repeated violations. 

The IJF statement said: '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.'

It went on to state that the rules relating to making a sign of the cross relate only to when an athlete is competing and not 'outside the field of play'.

The statement said:  'The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes. 

'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.'