Volatile sumo grand champion Asashoryu will not return to the ring until the New Year despite being fit enough to hunt and cook wild animals in the Mongolian mountains.
The yokozuna returned to his native country for treatment to an elbow injury last month and spent 10 days living in a tent and eating wild boar, deer and wolves.
“I was just trying to survive,” Asashoryu told reporters. “Out in the wild we had to catch the animals, prepare them and eat them ourselves. I brought some sauce for cooked meat from Japan so they really tasted good. The whole experience really helped to toughen me up mentally.”
The 28-year-old endured temperatures of minus 15˚C in a bizarre rehabilitation regime that also involved him plunging into icy mountain rivers.
The Mongolian has struggled since returning to Japan’s ancient sport following a ban for playing in a soccer match while claiming to have a back injury in August last year.
However, the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) said they saw nothing wrong with Asashoryu’s hunting trip and insisted his injury was legitimate.
“He’ll return to sumo when his injury is healed,” the JSA told reporters yesterday. “A yokozuna must be able to fight at the highest level and can’t afford to embarrass himself.”
Asashoryu has targeted a return at the New Year grand sumo tournament in January.
With Asashoryu out of the picture, his fellow grand champion Hakuho yesterday maintained the sole lead at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka, Japan.
In the day’s final bout, Hakuho spun Estonian sekiwake Baruto around at the faceoff and shoved him out from behind to improve to 10-1. Baruto dropped to 8-3.
Ozeki Kotomistuki was forced to sit out yesterday’s action with an injury and dropped to 8-3 after a forfeit loss to No. 6 maegashira Kakuryu, who improved to 5-6.
Struggling Bulgarian ozeki Kotooshu drove out No. 5 maegashira Asasekiryu to improve slightly to 5-6. Asasekiryu dropped to 3-8.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STAFF WRITER
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
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
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