TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japan Sumo Association’s judges division will hold an extraordinary meeting Sunday, before the final day’s action at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, to discuss Hoshoryu’s chances of earning promotion to yokozuna should he come from behind to win the championship.
According to association sources, some judges division members are saying Hoshoryu should be promoted if he wins the title, while others are doubtful because of his three losses to rank-and-file wrestlers.
Kinbozan from Kazakhstan goes into the final day owning the sole lead with a 12-2 record, followed by Oho and Mongolian-born ozeki Hoshoryu at 11-3.
Hoshoryu has not won a title in eight tournaments since his July 2023 championship led to his ozeki debut two months later.
Last July, Hoshoryu missed the final three days of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Two months later, at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, he barely eked out an 8-7 winning record.
One member said, “Even if he wins the championship this time, it would be better for us to wait and see for one more tournament.”
Earlier during the tournament, sumo’s lone yokozuna, the injury-plagued Terunofuji, announced his retirement.
Sumo: JSA Discusses Conditions for Hoshoryu’s Yokozuna Promotion
The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) is currently in discussions about the potential promotion of rising star Hoshoryu to the prestigious rank of yokozuna. Hoshoryu, the 23-year-old nephew of legendary yokozuna Asashoryu, has been making waves in the sumo world with his impressive performances and potential for greatness.
In order to be promoted to yokozuna, a wrestler must meet certain criteria set by the JSA. These criteria include winning at least two consecutive tournaments as an ozeki, the second highest rank in sumo, and demonstrating exceptional skill and dominance in the ring.
Hoshoryu has already shown great promise in his career, quickly rising through the ranks and establishing himself as a formidable competitor. His recent performances have caught the attention of sumo fans and officials alike, leading to speculation about his potential for yokozuna promotion.
However, the JSA is known for its strict standards when it comes to promoting wrestlers to yokozuna, and Hoshoryu will need to continue to prove himself in the ring in order to earn the prestigious title. The association will be closely monitoring his performances in upcoming tournaments to determine if he is ready for the next step in his career.
Sumo fans around the world will be eagerly watching Hoshoryu’s progress and hoping to see him achieve his dream of becoming a yokozuna. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in the world of sumo.
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Sumo, Japan Sumo Association, Hoshoryu, yokozuna promotion, sumo wrestling, Japanese culture, sumo news, professional sumo, sumo ranking, sumo champion
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