The January Hatsu Basho (tournament) concluded on Jan. 25 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan with Ukrainian-born ōzeki Aonishiki claiming the championship after a playoff victory against Atamifuji, earning the Emperor’s Cup for the second consecutive tournament and setting himself up as a leading contender for promotion to yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo.
The Hatsu Basho ran over 15 days with rikishi competing for win-loss records that determine the final standings, special prizes, and the tournament championship. Rikishi bout once a day with bouts lasting anywhere from seconds to minutes.
At just 21 years old, Aonishiki has quickly climbed the ranks since his debut in the September 2023 tournament. The 6-foot, 309-pound Ukrainian national has become one of the sport’s most exciting and promising rikishi in a long time.
Both Aonishiki and Atamifuji entered the final day tied with 11–3 records. Atamifuji won his scheduled match and then Aonishiki forced a playoff by beating Kotozakura before ultimately securing victory in their 22-second long face-off with a head-lock throw.
In an on-stage interview, Aonishiki was asked about his thoughts on his career in the future, aiming to claim the title yokozuna. He responded, “I will do my best to do even better in the next tournament.”
When reflecting on the tournament Atamifuji stated, “It wasn’t easy. I was calmer and more relaxed then the last playoff, but I may have let my guard down.” Asked about the next tournament in March he said, “Winning 12 bouts gave me confidence, I will work hard again.”
Attention is now on the next tournament in March, held in Osaka. Aonishiki’s consecutive wins not only mark a significant milestone in his career but also highlight the evolving international appeal and competitive excitement of sumo as the sport enters a new era.
Featured image: Getty Images
Leave a Reply to Morganna WilliamsCancel reply