Serbian judoka banned for 5 months for crossing himself at Paris Olympics
Serbian judoka Nemanja Majdov faces disqualification from the Paris Olympics.
The five-month ban came after the athlete crossed himself before a round of 16 bout.
Maidov announced on social media that he had been disqualified by the International Judo Federation.
The disqualification followed a public display of a religious gesture before the start of a match at the 2024 Olympic Games.
The judoka reported that he received a decision from the federation to suspend him for 5 months.
The reason, according to Maidov, was that he crossed himself when he went out to fight at the Olympics.
The athlete reported that he was banned from participating in all tournaments, including training camps and practices.
In a letter of his own defense, the judoka refused to apologize. He emphasized that he did not know that punishment could follow.
Maidov also wrote on social media that he will not change his beliefs under any circumstances.
