Mongolian Harumafuji reaches sumo’s highest rank

Mongolian wrestler Harumafuji has been promoted to sumo"s highest rank, becoming the 70th grand champion in the history of the sport.

The Japan Sumo Association approved the promotion on Sept. 26 after the 28-year-old won his second consecutive title at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Sept. 23 with a perfect 15-0 record.

Sumo has not had a Japanese grand champion since Takanohana retired in 2003. Mongolians Asashoryu and Hakuho have been the only wrestlers to reach the top rank since.

Harumafuji, whose real name is Davaanyam Byambadorj, is the first grand champion since compatriot Hakuho was promoted in 2007.