World champion judo wrestler Nemanja Majdov has come forth to announce that he has been banned for five months after making the 'sign of the cross' ahead of his competition at the Paris Olympics.
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Serbian judoka Nemanja Majdov, has been disqualified for 5 months for making a Christian cross symbol during a match.
The International Judo Federation previously gave the athlete 2 warnings for making Christian symbols for showing his faith in God.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) September 19, 2024
The 28-year-old has vowed he will not back down, nor apologize, after being accused for a third time (previously April 2018 and February 2022) of violating the International Judo Federation's religious code, which prohibits "clear religious signs entering the field of play."
"True, in the defense letter of the disciplinary proceedings I did not want to apologize," Majdov said. "And of course I did not, nor will I ever, although I did not even know what the punishment could be."
“I will not apologise for crossing myself.” 🔥
Serbia’s Christian Judo athlete Nemanja Majdov, has said he will not apologise for crossing himself after being suspended from competition for five months by the International Judo Federation for making the sign of the cross during… pic.twitter.com/nr01je26dD
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) September 19, 2024
As a result, Majdov has been barred from participating in "all tournaments, camps and preparations," according to the New York Post. This is big news considering he was the third ranked judoist (-90 kg weight class).
🇷🇸✝The International Judo Federation has disqualified Serbian Nemanja Majdov for five months for crossing himself before a fight.
Nemanju Majdov: "15 days ago I received a notice from the World Judo Federation about a five-month suspension for violating religious codes. More… pic.twitter.com/qEK6FEMSb4
— jamiemcintyre (@jamiemcintyre21) September 18, 2024
In view of the sign Serbian Majdov made ahead of his Round of 16 match on July 31 vs. Greece's Theodoros Tselidis, he touched his forehead, chest, and then both shoulders, which is a Christian gesture representing "God the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit."
Nemanja Majdov (Serbia; white) and Greece's Theodoros Tselidis (Greece; Blue)
Majdov broke the news on his Instagram.
"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."
No matter what punishment is handed down, the 2017 world champion and 2023 European champion will stand up for his faith and ultimately has no regrets, as honoring God is his No. 1 priority.
Srbija je vjecna dok su joj djeca vjerna.🇷🇸
Boze Pravde - Montpellier 2023🇫🇷Pre 6 godina sam postao prvak Svijeta, sada sam postao prvak Evrope.
U mom sportu status Prvaka Evrope i Svijeta je ogroman, i nije bas toliko cest.Hvala Gospodu na svemu🙏☦️ pic.twitter.com/xn3lYaucCH
— Nemanja Majdov (@majdovjudo1st) November 8, 2023
"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," Majdov continued, while insinuating that he is ready to leave it all behind. "I'm sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things."
ИС ХС - НИ КА☦️👑
Jesus is the King❤️Thank you for the biggest support, I am blessed🙏 pic.twitter.com/xCv3aD5z5s
— Nemanja Majdov (@majdovjudo1st) September 18, 2024
"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."
Related: Power Outages Reported In Paris As The Olympics Get Underway, Signs Of 'Divine Intervention'?
