Ukrainian sumo wrestler Ansekin won the July tournament in Nagoya, securing a return to the Ozeki rank [1].
This victory marks a significant recovery for the 22-year-old [2], who overcame physical injury and a drop in rank to reclaim one of the sport's highest honors. His performance establishes him as a primary contender for the top division title.
Ansekin finished the tournament with a record of 12 wins and three losses [3]. Under the competition rules, a record of 10 or more wins was the requirement for his immediate return to the Ozeki rank [4]. The tournament took place at the IG Arena in the Kita Ward of Nagoya [5].
During a press conference on Monday in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, Ansekin spoke about the mental and physical toll of the competition [1]. He said he fought on the dohyo while feeling fear and anxiety, but credited his perseverance for the result [6].
Ansekin revealed that he competed while dealing with an injury to his left leg [7]. Despite the pain, he said the feeling of having given everything to the effort was strong [8].
Regarding his strategy, Ansekin said that before the tournament began, he and his stablemaster agreed to aim for the championship rather than just the 10 wins needed for promotion. He said he was very happy to return to the Ozeki rank, and intends to continue following his stablemaster's guidance to aim for the highest rank in sumo [1].
Ansekin is a member of the Ajigawa stable [9]. His ascent through the ranks continues to draw attention to the growing international presence within the traditional Japanese sport.
“I fought on the dohyo while feeling fear and anxiety.”
Ansekin's return to the Ozeki rank signifies his resilience and stability within the upper echelons of professional sumo. By prioritizing a tournament victory over the minimum requirement for promotion, the Ukrainian wrestler has demonstrated a psychological shift toward dominance rather than mere recovery. His success further globalizes the sport, proving that non-Japanese wrestlers can navigate both the physical demands and the rigid hierarchical structure of the Ajigawa stable to reach the sport's peak.
