Georgian Judoka Justifies Attack on German Athlete After Bundesliga Match

Georgian judoka Akaki Japaridze has publicly addressed his attack on German Olympic starter Timo Cavelius during a Bundesliga match in Leipzig. Japaridze stated on Instagram that while physical aggression in sport is unacceptable and he does not evade responsibility, the attack was not caused by the emotions of losing. Instead, he claimed the incident was a response to verbal and gestural insults from Cavelius, which he described as unacceptable for him as a Georgian and as a man.

The incident occurred after a second match between the two athletes in the 90 kilogram limit. According to reports, Cavelius celebrated his victory by showing a clenched fist toward his team and Japaridze. Japaridze then attacked Cavelius, causing severe facial injuries. Cavelius underwent surgery to fix a broken jaw with three plates and lost two teeth. As a result, the 29 year old athlete will miss the World Championships in Baku scheduled for October 4 to 11.

Cavelius responded to the allegations by stating that his celebration was intended for his own team and was an expression of joy. He clarified that he never intended to humiliate Japaridze or insult his nationality or identity. He further asserted that he did not verbally insult or physically attack Japaridze, and that no celebration could justify such an excess of violence.

Leipzig police have launched an investigation into the suspicion of bodily harm. Japaridze reportedly returned to Georgia shortly after the event. Reports indicate that he may face a lifetime ban from the sport of judo.