Serbian judo world champion Nemanja Majdov has been suspended for five months by the International Judo Federation (IJF) for making the sign of the cross before a match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Majdov, a devout Christian, made the gesture before his bout on July 31, which the IJF ruled violated their Code of Ethics prohibiting religious expressions during competition.
Majdov, 28, has made no apologies for his public display of faith. In a post on Instagram, he made it clear that his Christian beliefs are central to both his life and his career. “The Lord has given me everything, both for me personally and for my career,” Majdov wrote. He added that he would not apologize for the act of “baptism,” as he described it, and that his faith would remain steadfast no matter the consequences.
The IJF stated that Majdov’s actions violated their rules, which are designed to protect the sport’s ethical values and ensure that all athletes follow the same standards. The federation emphasized that judo competitions are meant to focus exclusively on the sport itself, without outside displays or messages. Despite the ruling, the IJF claims it respects and appreciates all cultures, religions, and nationalities.
This is not the first time Majdov has faced scrutiny from the IJF. He was previously warned in 2018 and 2022 for similar religious displays. Despite these warnings, Majdov has continued to publicly express his faith. The IJF’s decision now bars him from participating in all tournaments, training camps, and official preparations during the five-month suspension.
Majdov’s career highlights include being the 2017 world champion, the 2023 European champion, and winning five gold medals in international competitions. While disappointed with the suspension, Majdov expressed his gratitude for his career, stating, “God gave me a great career.” He vowed to return to the sport after his suspension, with the help of his faith guiding him.
