(CP) An international sporting organization is defending its decision to suspend a Christian athlete who made the sign of the cross throughout the 2024 Summer Olympic Games because the Olympian vows to stay steadfast in his faith.
The International Judo Federation has suspended Serbian judo world champion Nemanja Majdov, 28, for five months for actions including making the sign of the cross at this yr’s Olympic Games in Paris. The Federation said the gesture and other “violations” of its code of conduct breached their strict regulations on displaying religious symbols during competition.
According to the Disciplinary Commission of the Federation, Majdov’s suspension, which can sideline him until early next yr, got here after he had “shown a transparent religious sign when entering the sphere of play and having refused to bow your opponent at the top of the competition” in breach of the organization’s rules.
This decision, released on Aug. 31, was further complicated by Majdov removing his judogi (uniform) in the sphere of play.
Majdov publicly responded to the suspension in a Sept. 15 Instagram post, expressing disappointment with the choice but reaffirming commitment to his faith and his sport.
“The Lord has given me every part, each for me personally and for my profession, and he’s primary for me and I’m pleased with that. And that is not going to change under any circumstances. Glory to Him and thanks for every part,” he wrote, based on Google Translate.
The IJF said in a statement published Wednesday that its rules regarding the display of non secular or other signs are strictly related to maintaining neutrality in the sphere of play.
“The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes,” the statement read. “Our rules regarding the display of non secular or other signs is strictly related to the sphere of play, which is an area dedicated exclusively for judo and where only the judo specific signs and rules are on display, equally for all.”
The IJF said Majdov had been previously warned about making an indication 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’s Disciplinary Commission said it believes that “among the many most important characteristics that distinguish Judo from other sports is its insistence on respect, and on proper and self-controlled behaviour on the tatami [the mat used in Japanese martial arts]. This concept is a fundamental element of what’s often known as ‘the spirit of Judo.'”
The athlete stays unapologetic and plans to return to the game later next yr.
“Nothing latest for me personally, only a latest page in my profession and a latest life experience,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m sorry that such a wonderful and difficult sport like judo has fallen to such things.”
“God gave me an ideal profession, 7 European and three world medals,” he added. “When I began, I dreamed of winning at the least one big medal and thus succeeding in my life and the lifetime of my family, who sacrificed every part for my profession.”
