Hakuho Wins Sumo Spring Tournament!

Here it is: the final bout of the final day of the March 2009 Sumo Tournament. Asashoryu's name is on left and Hakuho's name on right. As you can from the "walking ads" McDonald's is a big sponsor. Both of these Yokosuna (Grand Champion) are from Mongolia. It's been a while since there's been a Japanese Sumo Grand Champion . . . Asashoryu has lost 3 bouts this week and Hakuho is undefeated, which means he's already won the tournament, but they must do battle today on Day 15. Hakuho is my favorite & I'm hoping he wins by a perfect score -- an undefeated 15 wins.


There was a full house in Osaka today. We're watching Japanese TV, channel 41 here on base, and it's translated into English from 4 to 6 each afternoon during the tournament.


Here they go: Asashoryu on left & Hakuho on right.


The man in the beautiful light blue kimono is the referee. Both of these sumo champs are VERY strong, but here you see that Hakuho is about to push Asashoryu back & out of the ring! As soon as either opponent touches the clay with any part of his body except for his feet (including his pony tail!) or steps outside the straw-lined ring, he has lost. They bow before & after the match & usually no one gets injured. It's all very civilized . . .

Whoo-hoo! This photo shows that Hakuho has prevailed & remains undefeated at 15-0. Since this is his 10th tournament win, he has now earned the "Hakuho the Great Yokosuna" title.

A gracious Hakuho accepts one of his massive trophies with an appropriate bow, and it's all over until May.