Serbian judo champion Nemanja Majdov has been suspended for five months by the International Judo Federation (IJF) after making the sign of the cross during the Olympic Games held in Paris earlier this year. The IJF cited a violation of its rules prohibiting the display of religious signs on the field of play. The 28-year-old athlete, who is unapologetic about his public display of faith, will be unable to compete or participate in any tournaments, camps, or preparations until early next year.
Footage captured during the competition on July 31 shows Majdov making the sign of the cross before a match, a gesture he has performed before on multiple occasions. The IJF’s decision to ban Majdov has sparked controversy, with the judo star expressing disappointment over what he perceives as the sport’s fall into unnecessary restrictions. In an Instagram post, Majdov said, “I’m sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things,” but reiterated that he stands firm in his faith.
Majdov, a devout Christian, has often shared photos of himself in prayer before competitions and described his relationship with God as central to his life and career. In his social media response to the suspension, Majdov expressed his gratitude to God, stating, “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.”
The IJF explained that Majdov’s suspension was not solely due to the religious gesture, but also for refusing to bow to his opponent and removing his judogi (judo uniform) on the field of play, both of which are violations of the federation’s policies. The organization emphasized that Majdov had been previously warned for similar behavior in April 2018 and February 2022, with the expectation that repeated violations would lead to disciplinary action.
Despite the backlash, Majdov remains unrepentant. “I did not want to apologize, and of course, I did not, nor will I ever,” he said in his post. He also vowed to return to the sport after serving his suspension. Several prominent Serbian athletes, including tennis legend Novak Djokovic, have voiced their support for Majdov. Orthodox Times reports that Djokovic and others have expressed solidarity with the judo star.
The controversy surrounding Majdov’s suspension adds to a broader discussion about the intersection of religion and sport. Some observers have drawn parallels to criticism of this year’s Olympic Games, where certain elements of the opening ceremony were denounced by Christians, including Elon Musk, for allegedly mocking religious figures and symbols.
In response to the backlash, the IJF defended its decision, noting that while it respects all cultures, religions, and orientations, its rules about religious signs apply strictly to the field of play. “The IJF does not forbid the practice of religions or religious signs outside the field of play,” the organization said, “but the judo competition area is reserved for judo-specific signs and rules, equally for all athletes.”
Majdov’s ban is effective until early 2025, and despite the setback, he remains optimistic about returning to the sport. “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,” he declared in his statement.
