【Sport】Grand Champion Hakuho retires with several record highs

【Sport】Grand Champion Hakuho retires with several record highs

I have been watching sumo since my childhood. My favorite wrestler was Yoknzuna Grand Champion named Chiyonofuji, who was called sumo of Showa era itself. But Hakuho is totally overwhelming.

Hakuho held a press conference on 10/1, released by pressure of winning tournaments.

Knowing criticism but he struggled with his physical decline

In recent years it had often been found that he struck opponents face with his elbow, which is considered violation of rules. He also gave comments on referree in a rude manner.

The sumo committee accused him of being too arrogant and persuaded him into having a bout keeping in mind that he is in the highest rank.

In the press conference he apologized for his way at that time, saying he had no other choice to continue winning amid his physical performance declining.

Two best bouts includes ''first upset'' and ''first loss''

Asked what was the best bout in his sumo history. Answering he said he simply can’t narrow it down into one. He can two unforgettable bouts.

1)Only one upset-win In 2004 when was in a lower rank, he beat then strongest Grand Champion Asashoryu, who had continued winning. This was the only one upset-win. After the precious ‘’Golden win’’ , he quickly went up to top rank Yoknzuna in 2007.

2)Stop consecutive wins

The second one was in 2017. At that time he had accumulated his consecutive winning up to 63, meaning no loss for at least four 15 days tournaments. But he was beaten by Kisenosato, then Ozeki Champion. He had a noted comment at that time to reporters that ''this means I lost''.

'’Form’' is most important, later breaking the Form

For 14 years he remained Yoknzuna stalking 45 tourney titles, record highs.

He emphasized in the conference that a westler that has one own fighting ''Form'' is the strongest. He was cautious of these westlers that know how they can win, meaning ''Form''. To be stronger, then we break the Form and reform it. This is how we continue to win.

Sumo is going into the new phase with resignation of Hakuho. We can enjoy viewing sumo!