A young athlete from Ukraine has ended the long-standing dominance of Mongolian wrestlers in Japanese sumo, as reported by MiddleAsianNews.
Previously, we reported that the 21-year-old Ukrainian, known as the "blue-eyed samurai," defeated the Mongolian yokozuna and became an ozeki, winning the Emperor's Cup.
Daniil Yavgushishin, a 21-year-old Ukrainian rikishi, has once again become the holder of the Emperor's Cup.
Competing at the Tokyo Sumo Palace "Kokugikan," the native of Vinnytsia achieved twelve victories during the Hatsu basho and overcame the fourth maegashira from the West, Atamifuji, in the super final.
Aonishiki repeated a historic achievement from 89 years ago, becoming the first wrestler since the legendary Futabayama to win the yusho at two consecutive tournaments, first as a freshly minted sekiwake and then as a shin-ozeki.
In March, Aonishiki will compete in the Haru basho, holding the status of tsunatori (title contender for yokozuna).
On the way to the January tournament, the new ozeki faced "copper pipes." Constant interviews, filming, and meetings with sponsors distracted him from training. Nevertheless, Aonishiki managed to overcome these difficulties and showcase magnificent sumo, relying on a low stance.
Aonishiki demonstrated confidence, even changing his mawashi in the midst of his winning streak. He wore a black fighting belt, which he received from his oyakata Ajigawa during the Hatsu basho and which he wore at the end of his career. It is believed that it would have been wrong to put it aside.
When asked about his true desires, Daniil Yavgushishin, responding after the tournament, stated without hesitation: - "I want to share my joy with my mentor."
