Sumo: Yokozuna Onosato resumes full-scale training ahead of Autumn meet

Yokozuna Onosato, the 26-year-old grand champion, recommenced full-scale training at his Nishonoseki stable in Ami, Ibaraki Prefecture on Wednesday. The sumo wrestler appeared in excellent condition, executing his opening charge sharply and committing to an aggressive, attacking style over 15 consecutive practice bouts against third-tier makushita division wrestlers.

Onosato mentioned that the angle of impact was good and he was able to get his hips down firmly. He has faced challenges in regaining his form since injuring his left shoulder during last November's Kyushu tournament. He missed two of the four grand tournaments this year and won only nine matches at the most recent Nagoya tournament.

Despite this, the five-time Emperor's Cup winner remains determined to secure his first win at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. "I'm going to pick up the pace from here on out," he stated confidently.

Ozeki Kirishima, another rising star, also returned to training at his Otowayama stable in Tokyo. The Mongolian-born sumo wrestler performed basic exercises, including shiko leg stomps and suriashi sliding footwork. Kirishima, who turned 30 recently, has a second chance at promotion after finishing tied for the lead in the Nagoya tournament and advancing to a championship playoff won by Ukrainian star Aonishiki.

He acknowledged that putting too much pressure on himself could lead to nervousness. "Training never lies," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to lifting the trophy for the first time this year. Kirishima intends to visit other stables from Thursday for additional training and practice bouts.