Hoshoryu’s Quest for Redemption
TOKYO – After being defeated by fellow grand champion Onosato in September, Mongolian-born Hoshoryu is determined to conclude a year that started with high hopes at the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka. The tournament presents an opportunity for Hoshoryu to reclaim his position and prove his strength against the formidable Onosato, who is aiming for his fourth championship of the year.
Hoshoryu’s motivation is clear as he seeks to stop being second to the man who beat him via a playoff in the Autumn meet. Reflecting on that intense match, Hoshoryu stated, “I cannot forget about that bout.” The battle was fast-paced and thrilling, with Hoshoryu trailing Onosato by one win heading into the final day. He managed to defeat the overnight leader in a flash during their regulation bout, forcing a playoff. However, this victory came at a cost, as he dislocated his right index finger.
“I lacked training on that occasion,” Hoshoryu admitted a week after the tournament ended, choosing not to speak to the media immediately after his loss. His focus now is on recovery and preparation for the upcoming events.
A New Chapter in Sumo
Hoshoryu arrived in Japan at 15 and transitioned from wrestling to sumo at Nippon Sport Science University Kashiwa High School. Onosato, a year younger, has always been in Hoshoryu’s mind since he was the runner-up at the national championship in his first year at Niigata Prefectural Kaiyo High School.
“Things like his opening charge haven’t changed at all. He used to be strong with his overarm throw, but he doesn’t do one now,” said Hoshoryu, who still leads Onosato 7-2 head-to-head in the top-tier makuuchi division. Despite this, Hoshoryu acknowledges the need to work hard like Onosato.
As the nephew of former grand champion Asashoryu, Hoshoryu secured his promotion to the exalted rank after winning the New Year meet via a three-way playoff following a 12-3 record. He maintained his form from a 13-2 outing in Kyushu last November.
However, there were some within the Japan Sumo Association’s judging department who expressed skepticism about his promotion. They pointed out that all three of his defeats in January came against rank-and-filers, and he had struggled to an 8-7 record only four months earlier. Their concerns became a reality as he pulled out from two of his first three meets at the top tier.
Overcoming Doubts
Despite these challenges, Hoshoryu made progress in silencing the critics in September by playing his part in the two-way title race with Onosato. After securing a measure of revenge by beating Onosato on his way to winning the highly successful, five-day exhibition Grand Sumo Tournament in London in October, Hoshoryu’s focus is now on lifting the Emperor’s Cup for the third time.
“I want to post a good result at the final tournament of the year,” he said, showing his determination to end the year on a high note. With the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, Hoshoryu is ready to showcase his skills and prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of sumo.