2 days ago
Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki cheered on from hometown
Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki has narrowly missed out on his first top-division championship in Japan's latest Grand Sumo Tournament. But his former coach remains hopeful that he will one day reach the sport's highest rank of Yokozuna.
Aonishiki is originally from Vnnytsia in western Ukraine. He lost a crucial match to Kotoshoho on the final day of the Nagoya tournament on Sunday. A win would have secured him a place in a championship playoff.
His former coach, Vazha Daiauri, runs a sports club in Vnnytsia and has supported Aonishiki since he was a child.
Aonishiki took up judo at age 6 and later switched to sumo. Daiauri trained him until he left Ukraine to escape the Russian invasion.
Daiauri watched the final-day bouts on TV. He looked anxious when Aonishiki stepped onto the ring. The former coach cheered, saying a firm grip on the mawashi belt would lead to victory.
But Aonishiki lost by a thrust-down. Daiauri said he thinks the wrestler was too fired up and couldn't secure a grip. He added that it was frustrating and very disappointing.
Still, Daiauri expressed hope that Aonishiki's future success will inspire the people of Ukraine. He noted that the wrestler moved to Japan at just 18, not knowing the language. He said Aonishiki's journey is just beginning and he is sure the wrestler will become a Yokozuna one day.
