Hoshoryu Poised for Yokozuna Status Following New Year Tournament Victory

Mongolian sumo wrestler Hoshoryu, currently an ozeki, has secured his second Emperor's Cup and is on the brink of being promoted to yokozuna after triumphing at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. His victory came during a thrilling three-way playoff held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo.

The 25-year-old Hoshoryu, who is the nephew of former yokozuna Asashoryu, is positioned to become the sport's next grand champion following the mid-tournament retirement of Terunofuji. The Japan Sumo Association's Yokozuna Deliberation Council is scheduled to convene to finalize the details of his promotion.

The 15-day tournament concluded with unexpected excitement, as No. 3 maegashira Oho defeated No. 14 maegashira Kinbozan, who had been leading the tournament, resulting in both wrestlers finishing the tournament with identical records of 12-3. Hoshoryu, after overcoming fellow ozeki Kotozakura in the last regulation bout, also ended with a 12-3 record, thereby entering the playoff.

In the first playoff bout, Hoshoryu showcased his strength by decisively defeating Kinbozan, gaining an inside position and pushing him out of the ring. The second playoff match proved more challenging, as Oho successfully countered Hoshoryu's favored grip, leading to a stalemate. However, Hoshoryu eventually regained control, unbalancing Oho and executing a frontal crush out to clinch the championship.

Hoshoryu had previously captured his first top-division championship in July 2023 and had positioned himself for the yokozuna promotion with a commendable 13-2 performance at the November tournament, which was won by Kotozakura. Reflecting on his journey, Hoshoryu acknowledged the challenges he faced during the tournament, particularly after experiencing back-to-back losses on the eighth and ninth days. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and enjoying the competition, as encouraged by his stablemaster.

Kinbozan, the 27-year-old wrestler from Kazakhstan, aimed to make history as the first from his country to win a title in the elite makuuchi division. His impressive performance included victories over ozeki Kotozakura and Onosato, who finished the tournament with a record of 10-5.

Oho, a 24-year-old competitor and grandson of legendary yokozuna Taiho, is expected to earn his first promotion to the ranks below yokozuna after coming close to winning his first Emperor's Cup.

Hakkaku, the chief of the Japan Sumo Association, commended Hoshoryu for his outstanding performance under pressure, noting his mental fortitude as a crucial factor in securing the title. He also praised Oho for his consistent improvement and focus in recent tournaments.

In addition to Hoshoryu's success, sekiwake Daieisho concluded the tournament with a solid 11-4 record, defeating komusubi Abi, who will be returning to rank-and-file status after finishing 7-8. Komusubi Wakatakakage also faced demotion, concluding with a 7-8 record after being defeated by No. 6 maegashira Ichiyamamoto.

Terunofuji, a ten-time Emperor's Cup winner, made headlines with his unexpected retirement announcement on the sixth day of the tournament, marking the end of his injury-plagued career.