{
  "id": 5293827,
  "title": "Sumo to make UAE debut at All-Star event in Abu Dhabi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/sumo-to-make-uae-debut-at-all-star-event-in-abu-dhabi",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T09:22:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2026/09/03/sumo-to-make-uae-debut-at-all-star-event-in-abu-dhabi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sumo wrestling is set to make its debut in the UAE when athletes from the All-Star Sumo Competition arrive in Abu Dhabi later this month. The event will be hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi at the Space42 Arena on September 26, marking the first time an international professional sumo competition will be held in the country. Nine elite rikishi, or professional sumo wrestlers, from Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt will compete in 36 bouts, featuring athletes with world championship titles, Emperor’s Cup honors, and decades of professional competition experience. The event aims to introduce spectators not only to the thrilling bouts but also to sumo's centuries-old traditions, such as the formal ring-entering procession and pre-bout rituals. Mohamad Yehya, general manager of Space42, expressed excitement about bringing professional sumo to the UAE, emphasizing the opportunity for fans to experience the sport's unique atmosphere and traditions. Ichi of Japan, a winner of the Emperor’s Cup, and Hiroki, another renowned figure in the sport, will headline the competition. The diverse field also includes Mongolia's Mendee, a junior world champion, and Egypt's Ramy El-Gazar, an internationally decorated champion, providing regional audiences a connection to the competition. Sumo, which dates back over 1,500 years, originated as an ancient agricultural and religious ritual in Japan. Tickets for the All-Star Sumo Competition can be purchased through Platinumlist.net.",
  "summary": "Sumo wrestling is set to make its UAE debut when athletes of the All-Star Sumo Competition land in Abu Dhabi later this month. The event, hosted by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will take place at the Space42 Arena on September 26. It will be the first time an international professional sumo competition has been staged in the country. Nine elite 'rikishi' (professional sumo…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Sumo to make UAE debut at All-Star event in Abu Dhabi",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/sumo-to-make-uae-debut-at-all-star-event-in-abu-dhabi-5295284",
        "published": "2026-09-03T09:22:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}