Japan's sumo supremo on Monday called on troubled grand champion Asashoryu to return from his native Mongolia, where he has been treated for stress disorder, and prepare for his comeback to the ring.
"He'd be better to build up his physical strength in Japan," Kitanoumi Toshimitsu, president of the Japan Sumo Association, told reporters.
"If he rests up for two months, it will take him two months to restore his physical strength. Japan may be better as [far] as the weather is concerned," he added.
"We will have to listen to what his doctor would say about the situation," Kitanoumi added, when asked when Asashoryu should return to Japan.
Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, was suspended until late November after he was caught on camera playing soccer in Mongolia after citing injuries in skipping a non-competition tour of provincial Japan.
The 26-year-old Mongolian was allowed to return home 19 days ago for treatment after doctors said he had developed mental problems as a result of his suspension.
Kitanoumi's comments were made amid speculation that Asashoryu might be faking his illness and wanted to go to Mongolia for business reasons, including promoting a spa facility owned by his relatives.
Asashoryu's brother has told Japanese media that he would eventually return to the world of sumo, in the midst of a debate over whether he should be allowed to continue after disgracing the status of grand champion with his behavior.
Kitanoumi, a former grand champion himself, said on Sunday that the Mongolian would be welcome to take part in another non-competition tour of provincial Japan in December before a regular tournament held in January.
"If his condition is fit, he can take part in the winter tour. I [hope] he will train hard and build up his body for the January tournament," he said.
The association regards non-competition tours as essential to expanding sumo's fan base.
Asashoryu's Mongolian doctor said last week the wrestler would have mud baths and massages as part of his treatment.
Asashoryu has already been given medical treatment and music therapy since his arrival at a spa.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and