TOKYO, May 26 (News On Japan) –
Ōnosato has secured his place because the quickest wrestler in sumo historical past to be promoted to the rank of yokozuna, reaching the game’s highest title in simply 13 tournaments since his debut.
The 24-year-old from Ishikawa Prefecture started sumo in first grade and later moved away from residence to attend a prestigious highschool in Niigata. At Nippon Sport Science University, he gained the title of newbie yokozuna two years in a row.
To perceive the magnitude of this achievement, it is price reviewing how the sumo rating system works. Of the roughly 600 ranked wrestlers, everybody begins from the underside in jonokuchi, then strikes by means of jonidan, sandamme, and makushita, all unpaid ranks that contain serving higher-ranked wrestlers. Salaried standing solely begins on the jūryō stage, from which a wrestler might advance into the highest division often known as makuuchi, beginning at maegashira after which progressing by means of komusubi, sekiwake, and ōzeki.
Only those that win two consecutive championships at ōzeki rank or carry out at an equal stage are eligible for promotion to yokozuna. Ōnosato has finished this in a rare 13 tournaments—barely over two years.
Since the six-tournament annual system started, the quickest promotion to yokozuna had been Asashōryū’s 25 tournaments. Other legendary names corresponding to Hakuhō, Takanohana, and Chiyonofuji took 38, 41, and 66 tournaments, respectively. Ōnosato’s 13-tournament rise is thus unparalleled.
One cause for his speedy ascent is the makushita tsukedashi system, which permits distinctive newbie wrestlers like Ōnosato to begin their skilled careers from the upper makushita division. Yet even beneath this technique, just one different wrestler, Wajima, ever reached yokozuna—doing so in 21 tournaments. This additional highlights the distinctive pace of Ōnosato’s rise.
What makes the feat much more historic is that Ōnosato has posted successful data in all 13 tournaments since his debut—one thing no different wrestler has achieved earlier than.
What explains his extraordinary dominance? His bodily attributes are a transparent issue: standing 192 cm tall and weighing 191 kg, he combines measurement with agility. Most wrestlers on this weight class are inclined to lack pace and method, however Ōnosato is the exception.
Former yokozuna Wakanohana, also called Masaru Hanada, praised him, saying, “He doesn’t just rely on his power and thrusts—he adjusts his style based on the opponent. His ability to launch into his opponent at the tachi-ai is fast, and his athleticism is exceptional. With that body, it’s like a demon with an iron club.”
Hanada known as him “a truly extraordinary talent—like the Ōhtani of the sumo world.”
Ōnosato, who declared his motto as “one of a kind” upon being promoted to ōzeki, is already making good on that promise. All eyes are actually on what sort of yokozuna he’ll grow to be.
Source: TBS