Terunofuji: Japan's only sumo grand master to retire aged 33

NEW DELHI: Sumo wrestling, an ancient Japanese sport, is facing a potential void at its highest rank for the first time in over three decades. Terunofuji, the only active yokozuna (grand champion), announced his retirement on Friday at the age of 33.

This Mongolian-born wrestler has been the sole holder of the prestigious yokozuna rank for more than three years, a distinction achieved by only 73 wrestlers in the sport's centuries-long history.

Terunofuji's retirement comes after a prolonged struggle with injuries, which led to his withdrawal from the ongoing New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.

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Despite his illustrious career, which includes 10 tournament victories, he acknowledged that his mind and body were no longer capable of performing at the required level.


With Terunofuji's departure, the spotlight now shifts to Mongolian wrestler Hoshoryu, who has a chance to earn promotion to the yokozuna rank if he impresses during the New Year tournament.

If he fails to secure the promotion, sumo will be left without a yokozuna for the first time since 1993, when Hawaiian-born Akebono made his debut at the top rank.

Terunofuji's retirement marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity for a new generation of wrestlers to rise to the sport's highest echelons.

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"When I first became a yokozuna, I didn't think I would be able to continue wrestling for very long," said Terunofuji, who was promoted to the top rank in July 2021. "But the fans and other people supported me and encouraged me and that feeling alone kept me going."

The former yokozuna expressed his desire to nurture honest and resilient wrestlers as a stablemaster, aiming to develop champions who embody the values of perseverance and integrity.