The Ban on Religious Beliefs and Practices at World Events and Schools: A Reflection on Serbian Judo Athlete Nemanja Majdov


In recent years, the debate over the place of religious expression in public life, especially at global events and in schools, has grown louder. The clash between secular principles and individual religious freedoms has forced many athletes, students, and professionals into difficult positions. The case of Serbian judo athlete Nemanja Majdov, who made headlines for unapologetically standing by his religious beliefs, is a shining example of the courage it takes to live authentically in an increasingly secularized world.

The Secular Tide in World Events and Schools

World events like the Olympics, international tournaments, and even academic institutions often promote the principle of secularism to ensure neutrality and inclusiveness. On paper, this seems like a well-intended approach, aimed at promoting harmony among diverse participants. However, it has led to the exclusion of religious expression, which ironically undermines the very diversity these institutions claim to support.

In schools, students are increasingly being asked to keep their religious symbols or practices hidden, whether it's wearing a hijab, a cross, or openly praying. The push for neutrality can sometimes create an environment where young people feel that their deeply held beliefs are less valid, stifling an important part of their identity. Schools should be places of learning and personal growth—not places where students are taught that certain parts of themselves are better left out of sight.

The Majdov Example: Standing Firm in Faith

Nemanja Majdov’s stand offers a bold counter-narrative to this trend. As a prominent judo competitor from Serbia, Majdov has proudly made it known that his faith in God is integral to his success and journey. In a world that sometimes asks athletes to separate their personal beliefs from their professional endeavors, Majdov’s decision not to apologize for his faith is a powerful statement.

Majdov’s actions challenge the idea that public spaces, including world sports events, should be devoid of religious expression. Athletes like Majdov embody more than just physical strength and skill—they represent their culture, their nation, and their values. Religious beliefs are a significant part of one’s identity, and for many, they offer a source of strength and resilience. To ask athletes or students to leave their faith at the door is to ask them to leave behind an essential part of who they are.

The Importance of Religious Expression in Cultural Representation

It is important to understand that religion is not just a set of beliefs but a key part of cultural heritage for billions around the world. Whether it’s Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or any other faith, these religions are intertwined with the history, traditions, and daily lives of their followers. To exclude religious expression from world events or schools is to strip away a layer of the richness that these platforms should celebrate.

Religious symbols, prayers, or practices often serve as markers of resilience, hope, and discipline. These are values universally celebrated in arenas such as sports and education. For athletes like Nemanja Majdov, faith plays a pivotal role in the perseverance needed to excel on a global stage. By denying them the opportunity to express this part of themselves, we risk reducing athletes to mere competitors, detached from the values that helped them reach greatness.

Setting a Precedent: Standing Against Bullying

The willingness of Majdov to stand firm without apologizing sets an important precedent for others. We live in a time when cancel culture and the pressure to conform can feel overwhelming. Athletes, celebrities, and public figures are frequently criticized for expressing views that don’t align with the prevailing cultural winds. However, by refusing to be bullied into silence, Majdov sends a message that faith—and, by extension, personal values—should not be treated as offensive or divisive.

His example encourages others to remain steadfast in their convictions, even when those convictions are unpopular. By doing so, he is not just standing up for his beliefs but for the broader principle of religious freedom. His stance offers a reminder that religious expression is not inherently a form of exclusion or division. Rather, it can be a bridge to greater understanding when embraced openly and respectfully.

Moving Forward: Allowing Room for All Beliefs

As we navigate this increasingly complex world, it’s important to ensure that religious freedoms are not curtailed in the name of neutrality or political correctness. Allowing individuals to express their faith publicly—whether they are athletes, students, or professionals—can enrich our collective experience.

Instead of enforcing bans on religious practices and symbols, world events and schools should create environments where diversity is truly celebrated. That means allowing everyone the freedom to express their beliefs, while also respecting others who hold different views.

It’s not about forcing religion into every aspect of public life; it’s about making space for everyone to represent themselves fully. When a Serbian athlete like Nemanja Majdov boldly stands by his faith, he is not just advocating for himself. He is advocating for every individual who feels the pressure to compromise their identity in public spaces.

In the end, the world is better served by acknowledging and celebrating the deep faith of individuals like Majdov. By doing so, we recognize that religious expression—whether Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or any other faith—can coexist with the broader values of inclusion, diversity, and mutual respect. It’s a balance we must strike to ensure that our world events and schools are truly places of unity, rather than arenas of forced conformity.

Let us hope that the courage of one athlete can inspire many others to stand firm, unapologetic in their beliefs, and proud to express their identity on the global stage.


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