Sumo: Back in top division, evergreen Tamawashi still evolving at 41

Fukuoka (Kyodo) -- Tamawashi, the Mongolian-born former sekiwake, will make history by becoming the oldest wrestler to return to the elite makuuchi division for the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament next month, at the age of 41. He will officially enter the record books after spending the past two tournaments in the second-tier juryo division.

In an interview, Tamawashi expressed his desire to approach the tournament with a fresh mindset, stating, "I want to approach this with a fresh mindset." He added that he hopes to demonstrate how much he has evolved since his last appearance in the top division.

Tamawashi has been practicing intensively for the big event, engaging in practice bouts for a second straight day in Asakura, Fukuoka Prefecture. He currently serves as a goodwill ambassador for the rural city, describing it as his "second hometown" due to its mountainous terrain and star-filled night skies, which resemble his native Mongolia.

The 15-day meet at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, where Tamawashi is ranked as a No. 15 maegashira, will mark his 101st appearance in the top division, tying him with former ozeki Kaio and former yokozuna Hakuho for the third-most in the modern era.