Sumo: Stablemaster casts doubt on yokozuna Hoshoryu's Autumn participation

Mito, Japan (Kyodo) — The likelihood of yokozuna Hoshoryu participating in the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in September is called into question due to his recent right knee surgery, according to his stablemaster Tatsunami. Hoshoryu, a Mongolian-born grand champion, has not yet claimed an Emperor's Cup in his nine matches since being elevated to yokozuna ahead of the Spring tournament in March of the previous year.

He has previously withdrawn from tournaments four times, most recently the last two, after partially tearing his medial collateral ligament. Tatsunami, a former komusubi Asahiyutaka, stated that he cannot allow Hoshoryu to compete if he is not fully recovered. The 27-year-old, nephew of former Mongolian champion Asashoryu, has claimed two top-tier titles before his promotion.

His stablemaster emphasized that Hoshoryu would face significant challenges if he enters a tournament without being in top condition, urging him to secure a championship win or similar achievement in his next appearance. Hoshoryu has been absent from the Japan Sumo Association's regional tour since it commenced on August 2, but has been observed at his stable's training facility.

Fellow yokozuna Onosato performed well during the association's regional tour in Mito, winning 10 of 11 matches against lower-ranked wrestlers, with his stablemaster Nishonoseki, a former yokozuna, watching. Onosato returned to competition after missing most of a tournament in March and the entire Summer tournament in May due to left shoulder pain, going 9-6 in his return at the Nagoya meet.

The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament is scheduled to take place at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan from September 13 to 27.