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A Serbian Judoka has been banned for 5 months after flaunting his religious beliefs.
Judo star Nemanja Majdov has received a five-month suspension from the sport following a religious gesture that was deemed controversial during the Paris Olympics.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) considered his action —making the sign of the cross as he entered the mat—an infringement of their regulations against displaying religious symbols during competition.
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Majdov, 28, performed the gesture while facing Greek opponent Theodoros Tselidis on July 31, leading to a formal investigation and subsequent disciplinary action.
The IJF's ruling emphasized that Majdov "showed a clear religious sign when entering the field of play," which goes against the governing body's commitment to maintaining a neutral sporting environment.
Madjov responds to 5-year ban over religious gesture
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In response to the ban, Majdov expressed his disappointment on Instagram stating, "I'm sorry that such a beautiful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things."
Despite the suspension, Majdov remains unapologetic about his faith.
In a lengthy Instagram post, he detailed his thoughts on the matter, declaring, "I did not want to apologize for the baptism... the Lord has given me everything."
The Serb framed his ban as an opportunity for growth, noting that this period would serve as "a new page in my career and a new life experience."
Majdov highlighted his achievements, including multiple European and world medals, and reiterated his commitment to return stronger, bolstered by his faith.
"True, in the defense letter of the disciplinary proceedings I did not want to apologize for the baptism, 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.
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"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.
"God gave me a great career, 7 European and 3 world medals. When I started, I dreamed of getting at least one big medal and 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,” he wrote in a lengthy message.
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Majdov won a gold medal at the 2017 World Judo Championships in Budapest.
At the 2018 European Judo Championships in Tel Aviv, he won his first senior European medal, a silver at the -90 kg category.
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