June 3, 2025
On the 2nd, the Japan Sumo Association announced that former Yokozuna Hakuho, who has the most championships in the history of sumo wrestling with 45 victories, will retire from the association on the 9th. The resignation was approved at an extraordinary board meeting held on the same day at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. After his retirement, the stablemaster will aim to launch an international sumo competition organization based in Japan and the United States in order to fulfill his dream of promoting sumo worldwide, according to a source close to the association.
The great Yokozuna, who won 45 championships, the most in history, is saying goodbye to the sumo world. Miyagino Oyakata, who retired from active competition in September 2021, moved to the Isegahama stable with his disciples in April last year after his stable was closed due to a violence scandal involving former Makuuchi wrestler Hokuseiho. However, more than a year had passed and the stable had not reopened, so he decided to resign from the association. His notice of retirement was submitted to the extraordinary board of directors on the same day, and was to be accepted on the 9th.
According to sources, he plans to use his retirement as an opportunity to launch an international organization based in Japan and the United States. Miyagino Oyakata, who came to Japan from Mongolia at the age of 15 and entered the sumo world, has expressed his gratitude for Japan's national sport, saying, "I've been able to survive because of sumo wrestling," and has previously said, "I want many people overseas to know the charm of sumo." He also has a track record of working to expand the base of sumo, such as by hosting the world junior sumo tournament "Hakuho Cup" during his active career.
The plan is to run a professional league for "SUMO," which is different from the traditional culture of sumo wrestling, and according to sources, several international companies with which he has had connections from his active days are likely to become sponsors.
Miyagino's father, Munkhbat, was a silver medalist in wrestling at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, and he has previously said that he would like sumo to be an Olympic sport, and it appears he will be actively working to have sumo included as an Olympic sport.
The master is currently in Mongolia to participate in the unveiling ceremony of his father's bronze statue on the 3rd, and will return to Japan within this week. He will hold a press conference in Tokyo on the 9th to report on his future plans.
Ura