Mongolia Dominates Sumo with 3rd Yokozuna in a Row from Wrestler Harumafuji Byambadorj
This is the 70th Yokozuna title for a wrestler ever awarded; and is the third respective Yokozuna earned by a Mongolian wrestler: Asashōryū Davgadorj and Hakuhō Shō Davaajargal were the 68th and 69th Yokozunas in years 2003 and 2007 respectively.
Harumafuji defeated Yokozuna Hakuhō Shō Davaajargal with a “shitatenage” (underarm throw) in the final day’s bout, thus concluding the 15-day competition without a single loss and advancing to the top rank of Yokozuna. Harumafuji Byambadorj faced Hakuhō Shō Davaajargal. Out of the 34 times they faced each other, Byambadorj won only 12 times against Davaajargal.
The tournament, held in Kyoto, Japan, concluded yesterday.
Following Harumafuji’s win in the July Grand Tournament (Nagoya Basho), the Japan Sumo Association discussed Harumafuji’s ascent to the rank of Yokozuna. The Association determined that he would be promoted if he won 13 or more bouts in the Aki Basho, with added condition that he did not fall within the first 10 bouts. When three ozeki wrestlers—Baruto, Ktooshi, Kotoshogiku—left the tournament due to injuries, however, the criterion was revised to 14 wins. Harumafuji more than met this condition with a perfect 15-0 score. Harumafuji had previously attempted to earn this title twice before.
Beginning with the last tournament, his winning streak is now currently at 31, which ranks him at 8th on the all-time winning streak list.
“The interesting and competitive wrestling bouts taking place recently has filled me with joy and excitement,” said the Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihiko Noda as he handed Harumafuji his award. “I am confident that wrestling bouts between the two of you [Byambadorj and Davaajargal] will be decorating the Sumo tournament.”
For his part, Harumafuji said “I would like to express my deep gratitude for my mother and father for raising me. I am very happy that I have won this tournament with renewed strength and energy on every bout.”
An NHK television journalist asked, “You will be competing as a Yokozuna in the next tournament. What is your opinion about this?”
Harumafuji, the new Yokozuna, replied, “The fact that I have been wrestling without faltering is because of all the people who supported me throughout my wrestling career. I have reached this success because of you. I will not lose your trust and faith in me and will continue wrestling.”
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