Timo Cavelius injured in assault by Akaki Japaridze during Judo Bundesliga match

During a German Judo Bundesliga match in Leipzig, Georgian athlete Akaki Japaridze physically assaulted German national judoka Timo Cavelius following a victory by Cavelius. The attack occurred immediately after the match ended, reportedly triggered by a celebratory gesture from Cavelius.

Cavelius sustained serious injuries, including a fractured jaw and the loss of two teeth, requiring surgery at a university hospital in Leipzig. The incident has significant implications for Cavelius’s career, as he is expected to miss the upcoming World Championships and faces setbacks in his preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The German Judo Federation (DJB) has strongly condemned the violence, stating that such actions violate the fundamental principles of respect and trust in the sport. Japaridze faces potential legal consequences, including criminal charges for grievous bodily harm, and may receive a lifetime ban from the International Judo Federation (IJF).