The November Grand Sumo Tournament saw a surprising turn of events with Yokozuna Terunofuji’s absence. In his place, Sekiwake Onosato, a 24-year-old rising star, emerged victorious and claimed the prestigious Emperor’s Cup. Onosato showcased his skill and determination by defeating top competitors such as Ozeki Kotozakura and Hoshoryu. His remarkable performance earned him a promotion to the rank of Ozeki, a significant achievement after only nine tournaments since his debut.
While the spotlight was on the young rikishi like Onosato, 34-year-old Nishikigi also made a name for himself with an impressive 11 wins in the tournament. His outstanding performance earned him his first Fighting Spirit Prize, highlighting his perseverance and dedication to the sport.
The tournament also marked the end of an era with the retirement of former Ozeki Takakeisho. Sumopedia takes a look back at his illustrious career and the impact he had on the world of sumo wrestling.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Kyushu tournament in 2024. In the studio, regular panelists will gather to discuss the potential matchups, storylines, and predictions for the tournament as the year comes to a close. Sumo fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the sumo calendar with fierce competition and thrilling matches on the horizon.