Police launch investigation after German judoka attacked by opponent

The police have launched an investigation as a complaint was filed for assault after German Olympic judoka Timo Cavelius was hospitalized after being attacked by JC Leipzig fighter Akaki Japaridze of Georgia.

The incident happened following a Bundesliga fight. Cavelius was hospitalized with a broken jaw and lost two teeth.

The German, who competes for serial champions Abensburg, was attacked by JC Leipzig fighter Japaridze after winning their second fight in a team event on Saturday.

Japaridze hit Cavelius three times with his fist, after Cavelius had made a celebratory gesture.

According to the police, Japaridze was no longer at the sports hall in Leipzig when authorities arrived and had already returned to the hotel. The Georgian fighter is reportedly back in his home country.

The Leipzig police confirmed to dpa that an investigation has been launched, stating that the individual is known to them and that there is no immediate danger.

At the same time, the sports' governing bodies are to take further steps. The International Judo Federation (IJF), the European Judo Union (EJU), and the Georgian Judo Federation have already been informed of the incident, according to the German Judo Federation (DJV).

Cavelius took part in the 2024 Olympics in Paris and is now preparing for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. But he cannot garner important ranking points as long he is sidelined after the incident.

He underwent surgery and will miss the World Judo Championships next month.