City set for sumo battle

GUWAHATI: For the first time in India, five champion sumo wrestlers will be seen slugging it out on one single stage at the sumo wresting exhibition scheduled to start on Monday at the ongoing 19th International Guwahati Trade Fair (IGTF) 2012.
The Japanese-style ring installed at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, the venue of the trade fair, is ready to host the exhibition matches between the wrestlers starting 6 pm from February 13 to February 16. The extravaganza has been arranged by the Industries and Trade Fair Association of Assam (ITFAA), also the promoters of the trade fair.

Mongolian free-style wrestling champion Tumurbaatar Sanchir aka Nachin (Falcon) will compete with compatriots two-time national weightlifting champion Bagadavaa Odsuren aka Zaan (Elephant), Dagvador Azjargal aka Arslan (Lion), and reigning sumo world champion Byambajav Ulambayar, originally from Mongolia but now settled in the US. They will be joined three-time US heavyweight sumo champion Kelly Gneiting. While the Mongolian competitors have already reached the city, the wrestlers from the US are expected to arrive early on Monday.

"The sumo wrestling exhibition has been organized to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relationship between India and Japan. We picked sumo wrestling exhibition matches as this competitive sport originated in Japan - the country in focus at the ongoing IGTF. The participation of the Mongolian wrestlers with the support of the Government of Mongolia is an initiative to build strong bilateral ties between the northeastern states of India and Mongolia," said Rajesh Das, vice-president of ITFAA, on Sunday.

Organisers said that the sumo wrestlers will be seen challenging audiences to contest with them. The contestant wins if he can push the wrestler out of the ring. "During their stay in Guwahati, the sumo wrestlers will also interact with students and sport associations on this ancient Japanese art form. As of now, I will not disclose where they are staying as large crowds can gather to see these giant wrestlers", Das laughed. When asked on the quantity of foods the sumo wrestlers are consuming in Guwahati, Das said that they are mostly taking boiled food in normal amount. "The three Mongolian wrestlers are also enjoying noodles and chicken here", he said.

ITFAA had to approach the airlines authorities as two tickets are not issued to one person but one sumo wrestler needs two seats in the flights.

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