An Olympic athlete from Serbia has been banned from his sport after making the sign of the cross during the Paris Olympics.
Nemanja Majdov, a judo champion, learned of this decision two weeks ago.
"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. Especially when entering the Olympics," said Majdov in a post on Instagram.
Majdov is banned from participating in all tournaments, camps and preparations for the next five months.
"In the defense letter of the disciplinary proceedings, I did not want to apologize for the baptism, and of course, I did not, nor will I ever, although I did not even know what the punishment could be," Majdov explained. "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 it. And that won't change under any circumstances. Glory to Him and thanks for everything."
Majdov who has won seven European, and three world medals says he is sorry to see such a beautiful and difficult sport has fallen into this kind of thing but says God has given him a great career.
"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."