Serbian Nemanja Majdov says the International Judo Federation (IJF) has suspended him from competing at the Paris Olympics because he passed himself before entering the mat. This was reported by RIA Novosti.
The athlete stressed that he was punished for “violating religious rules.” The disqualification decision was sent two weeks ago.
“I was banned from participating in all tournaments, training camps and sparring sessions,” the judoka said.
In his defense, he noted that he had no intention of apologizing for baptism and that this principle would not change under any circumstances. Maidov admitted that faith was the most important thing in life for him. He expressed regret that such a beautiful and difficult sport as judo “fell into such things.”
“The Lord has given me a wonderful career; seven European Championship medals, three World Championship medals. When I started, I dreamed of winning at least one major medal and thus achieving success in my life and in my family, who sacrificed everything for my career. For now, we rest and then, with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will return to a new beginning and new victories,” concluded the Serb.
On September 11, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia spoke about the Olympics held in Paris and said that today we see active implementation:
A viewer had previously requested: return the money To purchase tickets to the opening ceremony of the games.