Ozeki Kisenosato (left) will strive again for his first Grand Sumo Tournament title at the Summer Basho starting on Sunday in Tokyo - Image source

The people of Japan celebrate the country's first victory of the nation's birthday in the world sumo championship after nearly two decades of sumo sport.

Kisenosato has a weight of 178 kg. Before holding the title yokozuna, since 2012 he holds the title ozeki, the second highest degree.

After becoming the second champion on many occasions, he finally posted his first win in the first competition of 2017.

I accept this title with all humility, said Kisenosato in a press conference on Wednesday (25/01) held after the Japan Sumo Association declared him a champion.

I will try to dedicate myself in this role and try not to tarnish the title of yokozuna.
Kisenosato stretched his legs after ending the sumo tournament with a 14-1 record

Four previous champions are all from Mongolia. As for the champions before the Mongolian athletes came from Hawaii, USA. The last sumo athlete from Japan who was crowned champion was Wakanohana in 1998.

Sumo, classified as modern martial arts, originated in Japan hundreds of years ago.

But lately sumo wrestlers from outside Japan dominated amid the decline of domestic wrestlers. The life of a sumo is considered hard and follows rules.

Source: https://www.bbc.com