Serbian Judo Champion Suspended for Religious Gesture at Paris Olympics Sparks Global Debate

“For crossing myself when entering a fight at the Olympic Games, I am prohibited from participating in all tournaments, training camps, and training,”

Serbian judo star Nemanja Majdov has been hit with a five-month suspension by the International Judo Federation (IJF) for making the sign of the cross before his round 16 match at the Paris Olympics. The 28-year-old champion, who boasts a stellar career including the 2023 European Championship and 2017 World Championship titles, revealed on social media this week that he had violated the IJF’s religious code, resulting in his ban. “For crossing myself when entering a fight at the Olympic Games, I am prohibited from participating in all tournaments, training camps, and training,” Majdov wrote, adding that he would not apologize for his actions, as “the Lord has given me everything… and He is number 1 for me.”

This suspension follows previous warnings issued by the IJF in 2018 and 2022, cautioning Majdov against displaying religious gestures on the field of play, which is prohibited under the federation’s code of ethics. In response to the punishment, Majdov remained defiant, stating his deep commitment to his faith: “Nothing new for me personally, just a new page in my career and a new life experience.” He expressed disappointment in the federation’s stance, lamenting that judo, a sport he loves deeply, had “fallen to such things.” Despite the setback, the Serbian champion, known for his resilience and indomitable spirit, vowed to return to competition next year, promising “new victories” with the help of his faith.

The IJF defended its decision, stating that Majdov had been warned twice previously and was fully aware of the rules prohibiting religious or political displays on the field. In a statement, the IJF emphasized its commitment to respecting the diverse backgrounds of its athletes while maintaining a neutral playing field: “The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions, and orientations… but the display of any religious signs on the field of play is prohibited.” As the global judo community reacts to the suspension, Majdov’s stance has sparked a larger conversation about the role of personal faith in international sports.