Hoshoryu, the reigning champion of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, is still recovering from a demanding three-way playoff that secured him his second Emperor’s Cup and a prestigious promotion to the rank of yokozuna.
The 25-year-old Mongolian ozeki concluded the intense 15-day tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan arena tied with fellow wrestlers Oho and Kinbozan, each boasting a record of 12-3. Hoshoryu ultimately triumphed over both opponents in a decisive tiebreaker.
In a press conference held in Tokyo, a visibly fatigued Hoshoryu admitted he barely managed to rise from bed, stating, “I was fast asleep. If there hadn’t been a press conference, I would still be sleeping.”
Previously, Hoshoryu captured his first Emperor’s Cup as a sekiwake in July 2023 and subsequently achieved promotion to ozeki. He solidified his candidacy for yokozuna by finishing as runner-up in November with a remarkable 13-2 record, necessitating a championship-level performance to ascend to the pinnacle of sumo.
On Monday, the Japan Sumo Association’s Yokozuna Deliberation Council unanimously recommended Hoshoryu for promotion.
His promotion to the 74th grand champion is expected to be confirmed by the association’s board on Wednesday. “I feel I did my best. I guess I’m not dreaming. I’m happy to have won for the first time as an ozeki,” Hoshoryu remarked.
Known for his explosive style and technical prowess, Hoshoryu, whose birth name is Sugarragchaa Byambasuren, is set to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious uncle, former yokozuna Asashoryu, in achieving grand champion status.
“I used to watch him from the sidelines as a child,” Hoshoryu shared. “I’m excited.”
This promotion is particularly significant as it ensures the continuity of an active grand champion in the sumo world, especially following the mid-tournament retirement of Terunofuji.
Terunofuji, a Mongolian-born yokozuna, ended his injury-plagued career after earning 10 Emperor’s Cups and serving as a leading figure in the sport following the retirement of the legendary Hakuho in September 2021.
