Rio Olympics: Belgian judo medallist assaulted on Copacabana beach

Belgian Olympic judo medallist Dirk Van Tichelt has suffered a black eye in a late-night assault on Copacabana beach in Rio, the Belgian Olympic Committee (BOC) confirmed today.

Just hours after winning under-73kg bronze in the dojo yesterday, Van Tichelt was out celebrating with his training partner on the world famous beach when the assault occurred.

"His training partner's phone was stolen and as Dirk ran after the thief, he was punched in the face by someone else," BOC communications director Luc Rampaer said.

"The police were nearby so he made a formal complaint and then was seen by a doctor at the hospital as a precaution, although there was nothing serious."

Van Tichelt was back at the judo arena in Rio today being photographed with his medal, and his black eye.

Belgian media had reported the black eye came from his robust bouts in the judo competition, but Rampaer confirmed it was from the assault.

Brazilian media claimed the assault was committed by a local call-girl, but Rampaer denied it.

"It's a false information, it was definitely a man who punched him, that's what the police report says," he said.