A global sporting group is defending its resolution to droop a Christian athlete who made the signal of the cross in the course of the 2024 Summer season Olympic Video games because the Olympian vows to stay steadfast in his religion.
The Worldwide Judo Federation has suspended Serbian judo world champion Nemanja Majdov, 28, for 5 months for actions together with making the signal of the cross at this yr’s Olympic Video games in Paris. The Federation stated the gesture and different “violations” of its code of conduct breached their strict rules on displaying spiritual symbols throughout competitors.
In keeping with the Disciplinary Fee of the Federation, Majdov’s suspension, which is able to sideline him till early subsequent yr, got here after he had “shown a clear religious sign when entering the field of play and having refused to bow your opponent at the end of the contest” in breach of the group’s guidelines.
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This resolution, launched on Aug. 31, was additional sophisticated by Majdov eradicating his judogi (uniform) within the discipline of play.
Majdov publicly responded to the suspension in a Sept. 15 Instagram submit, expressing disappointment with the choice however reaffirming dedication to his religion and his sport.
“The Lord has given me everything, both for me personally and for my career, and he is number one for me and I am proud of that. And that will not change under any circumstances. Glory to Him and thanks for everything,” he wrote, based on Google Translate.
The IJF stated in an announcement revealed Wednesday that its guidelines concerning the show of non secular or different indicators are strictly associated to sustaining neutrality within the discipline of play.
“The IJF respects and appreciates equally all cultures, nationalities, religions and orientations of all its members, including but not limited to athletes,” the assertion learn. “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 stated Majdov had been beforehand warned about making an indication of the cross throughout separate incidents in April 2018 and February 2022 and was knowledgeable he would face a disciplinary session after any repeated violations.
The IJF’s Disciplinary Fee stated it believes that “among the main characteristics that distinguish Judo from other sports is its insistence on respect, and on proper and self-controlled behaviour on the tatami [the mat used in Japanese martial arts]. This concept is a fundamental element of what is known as ‘the spirit of Judo.'”
The athlete stays unapologetic and plans to return to the game later subsequent yr.
“Nothing new for me personally, just a new page in my career and a new life experience,” he wrote on Instagram. “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,” he added. “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.”
“Well bless their hearts.”
