“They wanted me to apologize, but I won’t do that”

A judo champion has expressed his surprise at the decision to ban him for five months after he made the sign of the cross during this year’s Olympic Games.

The 28-year-old Serbian athlete Nemanja Majdov has been banned from competing until early next year by the International Judo Federation (IJF) for “showing a clear religious sign upon entering the field of play”, which is against the organisation’s rules.

During the Olympic Games, held in Paris on July 31 this year, Majdov was seen making the sign of the cross.

A few weeks later he was suspended by the IJF.

Majdov posted his thoughts on the decision on Instagram, saying he felt “it’s a shame that such a beautiful and difficult sport as judo has ended up in such situations.”

However, he made no apologies for making the sign of the cross and plans to return to the sport later next year.

Majdov, who has several photos on Instagram of himself folding his hands in prayer before participating, talks about his Christian faith:

’15 days ago I was given a 5-month suspension by the World Judo Federation (IJF) for violating their religious codes.

‘To be precise, because (he made the sign of the cross) when entering a competition at the Olympic Games.

‘I was not allowed to participate in all tournaments, training camps and preparations.

‘That’s right, in the defense letter of the disciplinary procedure I did not want to apologize… and of course I have not done so and I never will, even though 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.

“For me personally it is nothing new, just a new page in my career and a new life experience. I think it is a shame that such a beautiful and difficult sport as judo has fallen into such things.”

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 succeeding in my life and the life of my family, who sacrificed everything for my career.