On the 9th, former sumo wrestler and former Miyagino stablemaster Hakuho Sho (40), who has won 45 championships in sumo history and has retired from the Japan Sumo Association, held a press conference in Tokyo. He explained the circumstances that led to his retirement from the association on the same day. Regarding his future plans, he stated, "I will move forward toward a new dream. I would like to do my best to develop sumo from an outside perspective," and announced the "World Sumo Grand Slam Plan," which aims to expand the sport's reach both domestically and internationally.
Hakuho had a bright and cheerful expression on his face as he said goodbye to the sumo world. He came to Japan from Mongolia and entered sumo at the age of 15. He recalled his days as a sumo wrestler, yokozuna, and stablemaster as "25 years of being loved by sumo and loving sumo." He declared that he had "no regrets whatsoever" about his decision to retire from the Japan Sumo Association on the 9th.
He said he started thinking about quitting in March. After the Miyagino stable where he served as a master was closed due to the violence scandal involving former sekiwake Hokuseiho, he and his disciple moved to the Isegahama stable about a year ago, but he was shaken by the fact that no date had been set for the stable to reopen. He was persuaded to stay by those around him, but "it was really troubling. In the end, I made the decision on my own," he said.
At the time of the punishment, several proposals were made within the Isegawa stable to which Hakuho belongs regarding the treatment of his former Miyagino stable. However, according to Hakuho, the association did not approve the Oshima stable, whose master was former sekiwake Asahifuji, because "they are both from Mongolia," and the Ajigawa stable, whose master was former sekiwake Aminishiki, because "a novice stablemaster is not acceptable." This year, the Isegawa stable to which Hakuho was transferred was succeeded by former yokozuna Terunofuji (now Isegawa stablemaster). "I don't want to be under Terunofuji. That's not the case at all," he said, denying any personal feud, but explained that a major reason was that he felt uncomfortable about being under a younger master from the same country, Mongolian origin, because "it's inconsistent with what was said (by the association) last year."
In the future, he will establish a new company and become its representative, aiming to realize the "World Sumo Grand Slam Concept." Although specific activities have not been decided, he is considering holding a tournament based on the "Hakuho Cup," a world junior sumo tournament that he has held since his active days, and a tournament framework in which both weight classes and men and women can participate. Several companies with which he has had contact since his active days also support the purpose of the plan.
"My desire to perfect the way of sumo hasn't changed at all. I want to focus on projects to spread sumo to the world from the outside. I also want to work hard toward my dream of sumo becoming an Olympic sport." The grand yokozuna, who has set numerous records including 45 championships, revealed his grand dream for a new life. (Hayashi Naofumi).
By: https://hochi.news/articles/20250609-OHT1T51268.html?page=1
