The world of sumo wrestling witnessed a grand event as a new yokozuna, or grand champion, was officially recognized in a traditional ceremony. Hoshoryu, a Mongolian-born wrestler, became the 74th yokozuna in sumo history. His promotion to the highest rank is significant because he is the first new grand champion since 2021 and currently the only wrestler to hold this prestigious title.
Thousands of fans gathered at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo to celebrate this special occasion. The ceremony was filled with ancient traditions, including rituals performed by priests and sumo elders. The event also held emotional value for Hoshoryu, as his uncle, Asashoryu, was once a famous yokozuna himself. This historic moment marked the continuation of sumo’s deep-rooted traditions and the rise of a new champion.
A Special Promotion for Sumo
Hoshoryu’s promotion came at a crucial time for sumo wrestling. The sport almost faced a rare situation of having no active yokozuna after the retirement of Terunofuji earlier this month. This would have been the first time in over 30 years that sumo had no reigning grand champion. Hoshoryu’s success ensured that the sport’s highest rank remained occupied, preserving its legacy.
The 25-year-old wrestler has already proven his strength and skill. He secured his promotion by winning the second tournament of his career, the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, where he triumphed in a three-way play-off with an impressive 12-3 record. His victory caught the attention of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, which officially recommended his promotion on Monday.
Traditional Ceremony at Meiji Shrine
On a bright and sunny January afternoon, around 3,500 fans gathered at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo to witness Hoshoryu’s grand champion ceremony. The event was deeply symbolic and carried great historical importance.
The ceremony began with drums echoing through the shrine as priests performed ancient chants. Hoshoryu was then presented with a white rope belt, a symbol of his new status. This ceremonial belt, known as the tsuna, had been specially hand-twisted by fellow wrestlers the day before. It is an important part of the ring-entering ritual, signifying the power and dignity of a yokozuna.
After completing initial rituals with priests and sumo elders, Hoshoryu reappeared in his ring apron and the sacred rope belt, standing between two sumo wrestlers. He then performed the “ring-entering” ceremony, which is a key part of sumo tradition. The audience watched in awe as he clapped his hands, stomped his feet, and held a low crouching stance for several minutes. These movements symbolize strength, stability, and readiness to face any challenge.
The ring-entering ceremony is a tradition performed at the start of each day in sumo’s top-division tournaments. For fans, seeing Hoshoryu perform it for the first time as a yokozuna was a thrilling experience. The crowd responded with cheers, applause, and admiration.
A Moment of Pride for Hoshoryu
After the ceremony, Hoshoryu expressed a sense of relief that everything had gone well. Despite practicing the ritual multiple times, he admitted feeling nervous standing in front of so many people. However, he was happy with his performance and felt that he had fulfilled his role properly.
Hoshoryu’s full name is Sugarragchaa Byambasuren, and his sumo journey has been closely followed by his family. His uncle, Asashoryu, was among the spectators, watching with pride. Exactly 22 years ago on the same date, Asashoryu had taken part in the same ceremony when he was promoted to yokozuna.
The Legacy of Asashoryu
Asashoryu was a legendary sumo wrestler and the first Mongolian-born yokozuna, achieving the title in 2003. However, he was also known for his rebellious nature. His career ended in controversy when he was forced to retire in 2010 after an incident where he got into a drunken fight outside a nightclub. He often clashed with sumo authorities and was once even punished for playing in a charity football match with a famous Japanese footballer.
Despite his controversies, Asashoryu remained a charismatic figure who had a strong fan following. At the event, he stood out with his sharp suit, neatly trimmed hair, and stylish round glasses. He also took time to greet fans, blow kisses to the crowd, and pose for selfies before and after the ceremony.
His parents, Hoshoryu’s grandparents, were also present, dressed in traditional Mongolian attire. The event was not only a sumo ceremony but also a family reunion, filled with emotion and pride.
Auspicious Timing and Future Aspirations
For Hoshoryu, the timing of his promotion held special meaning. The fact that it occurred on the same date as his uncle’s ceremony felt like a good omen. However, he was clear about one thing—he wanted to create his own identity in the world of sumo.
“I want to act properly as a yokozuna and do my best,” he said, showing his commitment to the sport. He also expressed excitement about making his official yokozuna debut at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March.
What Makes a Yokozuna?
Unlike other sumo ranks, there are no strict rules for promoting a wrestler to yokozuna. However, a wrestler must consistently show exceptional performance, strength, and discipline. Winning multiple tournaments is a key factor, but so is maintaining a dignified and honorable character.
Hoshoryu’s promotion was approved by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, which carefully considers a wrestler’s performance, attitude, and overall contribution to sumo before granting the title. This shows the high expectations placed on a yokozuna.
