As reported by MiddleAsianNews, the young Ukrainian rikishi has halted the dominance of Mongolian wrestlers in Japanese sumo.
Previously, we informed that 21-year-old Daniil Yavgushishin, known as the "blue-eyed samurai," won the Emperor's Cup, defeating the Mongolian yokozuna and earning the title of ozeki.
For the second time, the Emperor's Cup was won by 21-year-old Ukrainian wrestler Aonishiki.
Daniil Yavgushishin, hailing from Vinnytsia, triumphed at the Tokyo Sumo Palace "Kokugikan" after twelve victories in the "main time" of the Hatsu basho tournament, and in the decisive match, he overcame the fourth maegashira from the West, Atamifuji, in an additional super final.
Aonishiki repeated a historic achievement set 89 years ago by the legendary Futabayama, becoming the yusho holder in two consecutive tournaments, first as a newly appointed sekiwake and then as a shin-ozeki.
In March, Aonishiki will enter the Haru basho as a tsunatori, a contender for the yokozuna title.
In preparation for the January tournament, the new ozeki was hindered by "copper pipes." Numerous interviews, invitations to various events, and meetings with sponsors distracted him from training. Despite this, Aonishiki managed to handle the "public work" and approached the competitions in excellent shape, demonstrating high-class sumo with a low stance.
Aonishiki showed confidence in his abilities, even changing his mawashi in the midst of a winning streak. In the last matches, he wore a black belt that he received from his oyakata Ajigawa during the Hatsu basho. This belt was worn by the famous wrestler Aminishiki at the end of his career. Aonishiki, deciding not to put it off, chose to use this invaluable gift.
When asked what he wants most at the moment, Daniil Yavgushishin, in response to an interview, said without hesitation: - "To share the joy with my mentor."
