Judo Champion Banned for Five Months After Making 'Religious Gesture' at the Olympics
Reason for the ban
A Georgian judo champion has been banned from competition for five months after making a "religious gesture" during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Lasha Bekauri, 21, made the gesture after winning the gold medal in the men's 90-kilogram division. He raised his right hand and pointed to the sky, which is a common gesture of thanks in many religions.
International Judo Federation (IJF) rules
The International Judo Federation (IJF) has a rule against "any form of political, religious or racial propaganda." The IJF said that Bekauri's gesture violated this rule.
Bekauri's apology
Bekauri has apologized for his gesture. He said that he did not intend to make a political or religious statement. He said that he was simply thanking God for his victory.
Reactions to the ban
The ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some people support the IJF's decision, saying that it is important to maintain the neutrality of the Olympics.
Others have criticized the ban, saying that it is unfair to punish Bekauri for expressing his religious beliefs.
Conclusion
The IJF's decision to ban Bekauri is a controversial one. It is important to remember that the Olympics are a sporting event, and that political and religious statements should not be made during competition.
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