Latest news with #Sumo
Kuwait Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Onosato earns yokozuna rank in record time
TOKYO: Sumo wrestler Onosato speaks to the media during a press conference in Ami, Ibaraki on May 26, 2025. - AFP TOKYO: Sumo crowned a new grand champion in record time on Wednesday as Onosato became the fastest to attain the exalted rank of yokozuna in the Japanese sport's modern era. The 24-year-old's elevation by the Japan Sumo Association came after he appeared in just 13 professional tournaments, eight fewer than the current record holder. The wrestler, who weighs 191kg (421lb, 30 stone) and is 1.92 meters (6ft 3in) tall, became the 75th grand champion in the centuries-old history of sumo. He was the second to reach the top rank in the space of four months, following History's promotion in January. The two will go head-to-head for the first time as yokozuna in July in Nagoya. Onosato also became the first Japan-born wrestler to reach the rank since 2017. Six of the last seven grand champions were born in Mongolia. Onosato was recommended for promotion on Monday after he won the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament a day earlier for his second straight title and the fourth of his career. "I am truly happy. Now, things will become more important than ever. I want to stay focused and continue to work hard," he told a press conference after being formally promoted. "This is a very much unknown territory for me. I want to maintain my style, be Onosato, and I will work hard to become a unique and unparalleled yokozuna." There are no set criteria for promotion from the second-highest rank of ozeki, and cases are considered by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. Hoshoryu's promotion in January meant that sumo avoided having no grand champion for the first time in more than 30 years. Onosato's promotion was the fastest since the current six-tournament calendar was introduced in 1958. – AFP
Powys County Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Farm machinery firm saves staff following closure of rival
A Powys border farm machinery dealer has saved jobs after expanding its operating area in the north of the UK. Mellington-based RVW Pugh Ltd is the Massey Ferguson franchise owner for Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and Mid Wales. Following the closure of Malpas Tractors, RVW Pugh Ltd has expanded into the Lancashire area for Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec, Vaderstad and AVR customers. The company has retained the employment of former Malpas Tractors staff members, who have knowledge of the area and the local market. Robert Pugh, Managing Director of RVW Pugh Ltd said: 'We are delighted to be able to take on the Lancashire area for the Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec, Vaderstad and AVR brands, as well as welcoming our new team members to the company.' RVW Pugh Ltd will have a dedicated area sales manager for the area, as well as a depot for parts sales, warranty enquires and repairs and maintenance work in Lathom. The company will also be taking on the warranty commitments for the Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec and Vaderstad branded machinery. The depot is open for AGCO parts, along with a wide range of tools, wearing parts and other merchandise for day-to-day farming jobs. Emma Pugh, Business Manager for RVW Pugh Ltd added: 'We have a new depot for the Lancashire area and would encourage any former customers of Malpas Tractors with outstanding warranties with the Merlo, Sumo, Hi-Spec and Vaderstad brands to contact us with any queries they have.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sumo has a new champion. And his nationality has shocked the sport
Japan has a new sumo grand champion after breaking years of dominance from other nations. Onosato, weighing in at 191 kilograms, is the first Japanese competitor to reach the top rank of yokozuna since 2017. The sport has been dominated by Mongolians in recent years, with six of the previous seven grand champions hailing from Mongolia. The 24-year-old, whose real name is Daiki Nakamura, was promoted to sumo's highest rank on Wednesday by the Japan Sumo Association. His promotion follows his victory in last week's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, adding to his win at another prestigious tournament in March. Sumo is considered Japan's national sport, with many of its ritual elements connected to Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. Sumo's origins date back more than 1,000 years, and Japan is the only country where it is contested on a professional level. The sport is highly regimented with many wrestlers living in communal training facilities where food and dress are controlled by ancient traditions. Onosato's promotion will set up an instant rivalry with Mongolia-born Hoshoryu. The Japanese news agency Kyodo said the two sumo stars are due to meet in a tournament in July in the central city of Nagoya.
Japan Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- Japan Today
Onosato, 24, promoted to sumo grand champion in record time
Onosato (center) holds up a fish to celebrate being promoted to yokozuna or grand champion on Wednesday Sumo crowned a new grand champion in record time on Wednesday as Onosato became the fastest to attain the exalted rank of yokozuna in the Japanese sport's modern era. The 24-year-old's elevation by the Japan Sumo Association came after he appeared in just 13 professional tournaments, eight fewer than the current record holder. The wrestler, who weighs 191 kg and is 1.92 meters tall, became the 75th grand champion in the centuries-old history of sumo. He was the second to reach the top rank in the space of four months, following Hoshoryu's promotion in January. The two will go head-to-head for the first time as yokozuna in July in Nagoya. Onosato also became the first Japan-born wrestler to reach the rank since 2017. Six of the last seven grand champions were born in Mongolia. Onosato was recommended for promotion on Monday after he won the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament a day earlier for his second straight title and the fourth of his career. "I am truly happy. Now, things will become more important than ever. I want to stay focused and continue to work hard," he told a press conference after being formally promoted. "This is a very much unknown territory for me. I want to maintain my style, be Onosato, and I will work hard to become a unique and unparalleled yokozuna." There are no set criteria for promotion from the second-highest rank of ozeki, and cases are considered by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council. Hoshoryu's promotion in January meant that sumo avoided having no grand champion for the first time in more than 30 years. Onosato's promotion was the fastest since the current six-tournament calendar was introduced in 1958. © 2025 AFP
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Big surprise in sumo. The sport has a new champion - and he's Japanese
TOKYO: Japan has a new sumo grand champion - or yokozuna - and the big news is he's Japanese. Onosato (pic), the new grand champion, weighs 191 kilograms (421 pounds) and he is the first Japanese competitor to reach the top rank since 2017. The sport has recently been dominated by Mongolians and prior to Onosato, six of the previous seven yokozunas have been from Mongolia. Onosato, whose real name is Daiki Nakamura, is only 24 and was promoted Wednesday to sumo's top rank by the Japan Sumo Association. Onosato was promoted by winning last week's Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, which came after he won another prestigious tournament in March. Sumo is regarded as Japan's national sport, or most sacred sport, and many of the ritual elements are connected to Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. Sumo's origins date back more than 1,000 years, and Japan is the only country where it is contested on a professional level. The sport is highly regimented with many wrestlers living in communal training facilities where food and dress are controlled by ancient traditions. Onosato's promotion will set up an instant rivalry with Mongolia-born Hoshoryu. The Japanese news agency Kyodo said the two sumo stars are due to meet in a tournament in July in the central city of Nagoya. - AP
