AN OLYMPICS star has refused to apologise after being handed a five-month ban for a disallowed gesture.
Judo star Nemanja Majdov, 28, has been suspended from competing in the sport after making the sign of the cross at the Paris Games.
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The International Judo Federation said the Serb was in breach of their rules by making a “clear religious sign when entering the field of play” before his round of 16 defeat to Greece’s Theodoros Tselidis.
And Majdov, who has won seven European and three world medals during his career, is now unable to compete until February 2025.
The Orthodox Times claims national stars including Novak Djokovic have come out in defence of Majdov.
Majdov had reportedly been issued warnings for making the sign of the cross at other events prior to the Olympics.
But the ace insists he will never abandon his faith as he refused to apologise for his gesture.
Majdov said: “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 defence letter of the disciplinary proceedings I did not want to apologise… 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.
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“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.
“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 thus succeeding in my life and the life of my family, who sacrificed everything for my career.
“He gave us a lot more, and even borrowed too much so that I would bow my head in front of them when it came either-or.
“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.”
But the IJF fired back by insisting Majdov had also broken several other rules.
These included refusing to “bow to his opponent at the end of the contest”, while also “removing his judogi in the field of play.”
A statement continued: “It must be noted that the athlete did not contest either of the two warnings, therefore, his claims of not knowing about the rule which forbids the display of any religious, political, ethnic or other sign on the field of play in judo, are not accurate.
“The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes.
“As an international umbrella organisation, it is our duty to make sure that all our stakeholders and especially the athletes, feel respected and accepted, in all our events and activities.
“Our rules regarding the display of religious or other signs is strictly related to the field of play, which is a space dedicated exclusively for judo and where only the judo specific signs and rules are on display, equally for all.
“The IJF does not forbid the practice of religions or religious signs outside the field of play, as we continue to respect the individual freedom of each member of our community.”
