Sumo world floored by wrestler's death, tournament cancelation
The sumo world is grappling with its latest crisis as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed the life of a 28-year-old wrestler and forced the cancellation of the sport's showpiece May tournament.
Shobushi, who competed in the sport's fourth-tier sandanme division, was the first rikishi to test positive for the pneumonia-causing virus on April 10.
The wrestler, who had diabetes, was in intensive care for nearly a month before dying of multiple organ failure on May 13.
Around a week before his death, the Japan Sumo Association announced the cancellation of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament following the government's extension of its nationwide state of emergency in response to the outbreak.
"With the spread of the disease, just about everything is spoiled," lamented sumo elder Shibatayama, the JSA's public relations manager.
The six grand tournaments held each year are the lifeblood of professional sumo. As the sport's biggest stages, they allow wrestlers to reap the rewards of their arduous training by showcasing their skills and, potentially, climb the rankings.
As former wrestlers, JSA Chairman Hakkaku and other executives of the association know firsthand the value of competition, and had been seeking to hold the year's third grand tournament as scheduled between May 24 and June 7 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
After March's Spring Grand Sumo Tournament was held in Osaka behind closed doors -- a first in the sport's history -- JSA officials said they had introduced countermeasures, including testing, to allow the Summer meet to go ahead.
To avoid the risk of infection, the masuseki boxed enclosures, usually accommodating four people, were to be limited to one spectator each, with second-floor seats to be spaced apart in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
CNN - Nov 23
He may have retired from professional baseball four years ago, but Ichiro Suzuki certainly hasn’t lost his appetite for the game.
Kyodo - Nov 21
Ozeki Kirishima picked up his eighth win on the 10th day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, leaving him in a four-way tie for the lead Tuesday.
News On Japan - Nov 20
An accident involving four motorbikes while racing on the Suzuka Circuit in central Japan on Sunday has left one rider dead.
asiarugby.com - Nov 20
There was double delight for Japan as both the men’s and women’s team became the final regional qualifiers for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with victory in the Asia Rugby qualification tournament in Osaka.
FIA World Rally Championship - Nov 20
Toyota 1-2-3 victory at home! Watch full highlights and exclusive onboard footage
itrwrestling.com - Nov 18
Having accomplished everything there is to achieve in NJPW multiple times and being widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the world today, there would certainly be a lot of buzz generated if The Rainmaker joined the largest wrestling promotion in the world.
Red Bull Rally - Nov 18
Torrential rainfall, thick fog and roads covered with damp leaves were just some of the challenges faced by crews at the FORUM8 Rally Japan, the season finale.
newsonjapan.com - Nov 15
Defender of Agdam “Qarabag” and the Azerbaijani national football team Bahlul Mustafazadeh answered questions from an azerisport.com correspondent.
tennis.com - Nov 14
Naomi Osaka's latest Nike collection is paying tribute to her heritage and experiences. The former world No. 1's latest Nike collection is inspired by New York and Japan, two places near and dear to her heart.
Sumostew - Nov 12
There are a lot of new wrestlers in Grand Sumo Wrestling to get to know this year. This November Kyushu Basho 2023, there are 4 sumo wrestlers in Makuuchi (sumo top division) that are making their debut.
NHK - Nov 08
Japanese baseball superstar Ohtani Shohei has officially become an unrestricted free agent and is capable of signing with any Major League team.
News On Japan - Nov 05
In the first matchup between two Kansai teams in 59 years, Hanshin Tigers beat Orix Buffaloes 7-1 in game 7 of the Japan Series, claiming their second championship since 1985 and the first in 38 years.
Kyodo - Nov 03
Shohei Ohtani was selected as the American League's Outstanding Player by his peers for the second time in this year's Players Choice Awards announced Thursday.
Ben Gravy - Nov 01
Right now we're in Japan at one of the best wave pools in the world.
Kyodo - Oct 31
Yuma Mune doubled in two runs and Yuma Tongu hit a solo home run as the Orix Buffaloes edged the Hanshin Tigers 5-4 in Tuesday's Game 3 to lead the best-of-seven Japan Series two games to one.
NHK - Oct 31
Teenage Japanese "Go" player Nakamura Sumire says she has decided to shift her base of professional activity to South Korea as she finds it necessary for her to study the game in a more competitive environment.