TOKYO, Jun 09 (News On Japan) –
Former Yokozuna Hakuho Sho, 40, held a press convention in Tokyo on June ninth to announce his resignation from the Japan Sumo Association and to stipulate his future plans. The affiliation had already acknowledged on June 2nd that it could formally settle for his resignation on the ninth.
“It has been 25 years of being loved by sumo and loving sumo. I, Hakuho Sho, have decided to leave the Japan Sumo Association and move forward toward a new dream,” he stated. “Considering my current situation, I concluded that contributing to the development of sumo from outside the association, rather than from within, would be best. This led me to make the final decision to resign,” he defined.
Hakuho had confronted disciplinary motion from the affiliation in February 2024 for failing to report and correctly supervise cases of violence involving his disciples, in addition to obstructing the affiliation’s investigation. He addressed the problem, saying, “With the Miyagino stable now placed under the care of the Isegahama stable, I sincerely apologize to my disciples and to all those who supported us for the events that led to this situation.”
Even after his departure, he emphasised his continued dedication: “I will remain in close contact with former Isegahama, who has taken over the Miyagino name, and other associated elders and the association. From outside the organization, I intend to keep supporting and watching over my disciples. My love for them remains unchanged.”
Looking forward, Hakuho stated he plans to concentrate on a worldwide venture to unfold the enchantment of sumo. Building on the 15 editions of the Hakuho Cup he has held to this point, he envisions a brand new initiative referred to as the World Sumo Grand Slam to introduce the game to a broader worldwide viewers.
The press convention opened with Masaya Sugino, previously Isegahama, who on June ninth formally took on the Miyagino elder identify. “His decision was firm, and I could not persuade him otherwise. I feel deeply sorry for the fans,” he stated. “If someone from the former Miyagino stable becomes capable of inheriting the name in the future, I will do my best to help rebuild the stable.” Sugino embraced and shook palms with Hakuho on the finish of the session.
Source: TBS