Police Investigate Attack on Timo Cavelius After Judo Bundesliga Bout

Leipzig police have opened an investigation after German judoka Timo Cavelius was attacked following a Judo Bundesliga bout.

Akaki Japaridze, a Georgian guest fighter competing for Leipzig, allegedly struck Cavelius after the match and seriously injured him in the face. Police said Japaridze could not be found at the Brüderstraße sports hall in Leipzig on Saturday evening. He had apparently already gone to his hotel and has since reportedly returned to Georgia.

Police confirmed to the dpa news agency that the 24-year-old was known to them, but said there was no immediate danger. The investigation concerns suspected bodily harm.

The German Judo Federation said the International Judo Federation, the European Judo Union and the Georgian Judo Federation were informed on the day of the incident. It said the matter should be handled objectively, based on the available facts, through the responsible sports-law and legal proceedings. Cavelius will miss the world championships after undergoing surgery.