Mongolian sumo wrestler appointed grand champion
2025-01-31
Category: news

A Mongolian sumo wrestler has been promoted to the sport's highest rank in a ceremony on Friday. Hoshoryu, real name Sugarragchaa Byambasuren, became the 74th yokozuna, or grand champion, after winning a major tournament last week. To become a yokozuna, the wrestler must not only achieve great sporting success but also display good conduct and be approved by a board of judges.  Hoshoryu's uncle Asashoryu, a former yokozuna who was known as the bad boy of sumo, was forced to quit the sport in 2010 after breaking a man's nose in a drunken brawl outside a nightclub. 
But Hoshoryu has already indicated he wants to follow a different path to his uncle, whose own ceremony took place 22 years ago to the day. "I want to act properly as a yokozuna and do my best," he said.
Around 3,500 fans arrived at the Meiji Shine in Tokyo to see the 25-year-old complete a number of rituals to receive his new title. He was handed a white rope belt worn by yokozuna, which he put on for his ring-entering ceremony. During this, he clapped his hands, stamped his feet and sat in a low crouch for several minutes as the crowd applauded. "I practised a lot but I was still more nervous than I expected," he said. "I think I did it properly though."
Unlike other ranks, a yokozuna cannot be demoted and is expected to retire if their level of sumo decreases. Multiple wrestlers can hold the rank at any given time, but Hoshoryu will stand alone at the top after the last remaining grand champion Terunofuji, 34, announced his retirement earlier this month. His appointment has avoided the sport having no grand champion for the first time in more than 30 years. 