Yesterday Mongolian born Yokozuna(Grand Champion Sumo wrestler), Asashoryu returned to Japan. He also offered his formal apologies for the actions that led to his suspension.
This story begins a few months ago when Asashoryu neglected his duties as Yokozuna, avoiding an exhibition tour, claiming that he needed medical treatment and rest for an injured elbow and a stress fracture in his lower back.
Apparently part of his medical treatment included playing soccer with Japanese professional player in front of TV cameras in a charity event in Mongolia. Asashoryu later claimed that he had only done so at the request of the Mongolian government and the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
The Sumo Association didn’t buy that story, however, and banned him from the August and November tournaments, marking the first time in the sport’s lengthy history that a Yokozuna has been banned from a main tournament. His movements were also restricted by the Sumo Association to his home, the hospital, and his training stable.
In a decidedly Britteny Spears like twist to the story, he was diagnosed with acute stress disorder and dissociative order, and was then allowed to return to Mongolia for treatment.
All I can say is at least he wasn’t murdering pit bulls or ex-wives unlike other famous athletes I could mention.
Asashoryu is no stranger to scandal. Before he was promoted to Yokozuna, he was known to yell or complain after losing matches, something that is very taboo in the formal atmosphere of a sumo match. Also in July tournament of 2003 Asashoryu pulled the hair of his opponent, which resulted in his immediate disqualification. He has also been accused of breaking a mirror of a rival’s car.
Unfortunately these scandals only serve to tarnish the career of what otherwise would be one of the greatest wrestlers Sumo has seen in its 700 year history.
