Olympic competitor faces suspension for Christian symbol gesture
Serbian judoka Nemanja Majdov has received a five-month suspension for crossing himself prior to a match at the Paris Games. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Serbian judoka Nemanja Majdov has received a five-month ban for violating the International Judo Federation's religious guidelines by crossing himself before a match at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Majdov shared this news on social media, revealing that he learned of the suspension 15 days prior, specifically noting that the ban stems from his gesture before competing against Greek judoka Teodor Tselidis.
Due to the ban, Majdov will not be able to engage in any tournaments, training camps, or preparations until it concludes.
In his Instagram post, Majdov indicated that he had chosen not to apologize in response to the IJF's notification about the suspension. He emphasized that even if he had anticipated the repercussions, he would have still chosen not to apologize.
“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,” he remarked.
During the match against Tselidis, Majdov faced an early elimination after accruing three yellow cards. He expressed frustration over his disqualification and the overall atmosphere of the Paris Olympics.
“Satanic trash. Their judging is poisoned… Disqualify me in two minutes and don’t give me a chance to show anything at all… These values of yours, sports and Olympics are just trash,” he exclaimed in a series of now-deleted Instagram posts. “Judo is a lost sport. 100% of the outcome of the fight is controlled by the referees. Those who bend over and bow to them get ahead. You will never get that from me. I don’t need such a medal.”
As of now, the IJF has not released an official statement concerning Majdov's suspension.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Due to the ban, Majdov will not be able to engage in any tournaments, training camps, or preparations until it concludes.
In his Instagram post, Majdov indicated that he had chosen not to apologize in response to the IJF's notification about the suspension. He emphasized that even if he had anticipated the repercussions, he would have still chosen not to apologize.
“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,” he remarked.
During the match against Tselidis, Majdov faced an early elimination after accruing three yellow cards. He expressed frustration over his disqualification and the overall atmosphere of the Paris Olympics.
“Satanic trash. Their judging is poisoned… Disqualify me in two minutes and don’t give me a chance to show anything at all… These values of yours, sports and Olympics are just trash,” he exclaimed in a series of now-deleted Instagram posts. “Judo is a lost sport. 100% of the outcome of the fight is controlled by the referees. Those who bend over and bow to them get ahead. You will never get that from me. I don’t need such a medal.”
As of now, the IJF has not released an official statement concerning Majdov's suspension.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
