The 2024 Paris Olympics opened with a ceremony showcasing disrespect for religious people and the games seem to continue delivering distaste for those with faith.
The International Judo Federation recently informed 28 year-old Serbian athlete Nemanja Majdov that he has been banned from competing until early next year.
Why? For “having shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play” in breach of the organization's rules.
All for openly making a sign of the cross at the Olympics on July 31.
Majdov posted about the decision on Instagram. According to a translation by the DailyMail UK it says:
15 days ago I received a decision that I was suspended for 5 months by the World Judo Federation (IJF) for violating their religious codes.
More precisely, because of [making a sign of the cross] when entering a match at the Olympic Games.
I was banned from participating in all tournaments, camps and preparations.
True, in the defense letter of the disciplinary proceedings I did not want to apologize... 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.
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.
Later Majdov adds, “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.”
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Majdov had been previously warned about making the sign of the cross in at least two separate earlier incidents and was informed he would face "a disciplinary session" after any repeated violations.
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