In a world where faith is increasingly under attack, Serbian judo world champion Nemanja Majdov is refusing to back down. The athlete, known for his exceptional skill and dedication to his sport, was hit with a five-month ban for making the sign of the cross before competing at the Paris Olympics. Majdov’s refusal to apologize for this simple act of faith has sparked outrage among his supporters and ignited a debate about religious freedom in sports.
The International Judo Federation (IJF) accused Majdov of violating its so-called “religious code” for showing a “clear religious sign” when he entered the field of play. In an era where secularism is often prioritized over personal belief, the IJF’s decision has become a flashpoint for those who see it as an affront to Christian values.
Majdov was seen on camera making the traditional Christian gesture, touching his forehead, stomach, and both shoulders as he made the sign of the cross before his match against Greece’s Theodoros Tselidis on July 31. This simple act of faith, a practice that millions of Christians perform daily, was deemed a violation by the IJF, leading to his suspension from all tournaments, camps, and preparations for five months.
Despite this harsh punishment, Majdov has remained resolute, declaring on Instagram: “The Lord has given me everything, both for me personally and for my career, and He is number one for me… I am proud of that. And that will not change under any circumstances. Glory to Him and thanks for everything.”
The IJF, claiming it has “zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or provocation,” has ignored the fact that Majdov’s gesture was not an act of discrimination or provocation, but an expression of his personal faith. The organization went further, accusing him of refusing to bow to his opponent after his defeat in the Round of 16, as if failing to perform a customary bow was on the same level as intentional disrespect.
What’s even more troubling is that this isn’t the first time the IJF has targeted Majdov for his religious beliefs. The federation claims to have warned him twice before—once in 2018 and again in 2022—for similarly breaching their “code of ethics.” Yet Majdov, a man of deep faith, refused to apologize then and refuses to do so now.
For those watching from the sidelines, it’s clear what’s at stake here: religious expression is being stifled, and athletes like Majdov are being told to leave their faith at the door if they want to compete.
Majdov’s courage in the face of such injustice is refreshing, especially in a time when so many are quick to bow to political correctness. His message is one of strength, faith, and resilience, even as the sport he loves seems to turn its back on him. He has won seven European medals and three world medals, yet now finds himself sidelined not for poor performance but for honoring God.
To make matters worse, this controversy comes on the heels of another Olympic scandal. Just one day before Majdov’s match, the Paris Olympics was slammed for featuring a drag show parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic “Last Supper” during its opening ceremony. While organizers claimed it was meant to “celebrate community tolerance,” many saw it as a blatant mockery of Christian symbolism.
As Majdov prepares to return to competition in 2025, his supporters hope that this ban will serve as a rallying cry for others to stand firm in their faith, no matter the cost. At a time when the world increasingly demands conformity, Majdov’s defiance is a reminder that faith is worth fighting for.
In the words of the Serbian champion: “Nothing new for me personally, just a new page in my career and a new life experience… God gave me a great career… and even borrowed too much so that I would bow my head in front of them when it came either-or.”
Majdov’s steadfastness is a powerful example for athletes everywhere: never apologize for your faith.
