Akaki Japaridze, a 24-year-old judoka from Georgia, broke his opponent’s jaw following a defeat. The athlete was competing for the German club JC Leipzig in Leipzig. His opponent was 29-year-old German judoka Timo Cavelius of Bavaria’s TSV Abensberg.
According to the publication Die Welt, the Georgian judoka lost the bout. After the contest, Japaridze lost his temper and attacked his rival, breaking his jaw and knocking out two teeth. Cavelius—who competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris—was hospitalized and underwent surgery that same evening.
It was also reported that the assault was preceded by a provocative victory gesture from the Bavarian winner.
“Even a day after the incident, we—our entire club, our teams, and our management—remain deeply shocked by what took place. We take the investigation of this incident very seriously and will do everything possible to ensure that the necessary measures are taken,” JC Leipzig said on social media.
Police are investigating the matter. A lengthy, and potentially lifetime, competition ban for the Georgian judoka is being considered. Such sanctions can only be imposed on a global scale by the International Judo Federation. Japaridze had previously competed for the Leipzig club twice without incident.
The September 5 fixture in Leipzig ended with an 8–6 victory for JC Leipzig.
Cavelius had been preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games.