Makushita Asahifuji

[Moti Dichne]

Ex-Juryo Nabatame achieved a remarkable victory defeating Asahifuji, who had been undefeated since his debut in Jonokuchi, with a tsukidashi. This ended Asahifuji's winning streak at 25, the third longest in history. From the start of the bout, Nabatame attacked with two-handed thrusts, not allowing his opponent to get a grip on his mawashi at all. Nabatame, breathless, said, "I felt the energy in the arena rise, and that's how I ended up wrestling like that. I owe it all to the support." The match between two rikishi with four consecutive wins was a showdown where the former Juryo wrestler showed his determination. After securing a kachikoshi on day 7, Nabatame was already looking ahead to his match against Asahifuji, saying, "I want to steal the spotlight." His Oyakata Futagoyama is currently absent due to poor health. Nabatame said, "For the first time this tournament, my Oyakata told me, 'It's okay to lose, just go for it.' I'd be happy if he gets better," and he lived up to expectations with his results. The efforts of his teammates also motivated him. Mita,  also a former Juryo rikishi who had dropped in rank due to a knee injury and is now ranked East Makushita 41, also achieved his fifth win and expressed his support for Nabatame's match, saying, "I believe he can do it." Nabatame said, "I'm happy that Mita has made a smooth recovery and is able to wrestle in the dohyo again. Our Oyakata is not in good health, so when our father is not feeling well, the kids step up. Everyone is getting good results, and that's pulling me along too." If both Nabatame and Mita continue their winning streaks, they could face each other in the championship playoff. "We're together in the heya, but we haven't talked about that. We want to encourage each other and do our best to wrestle well." Precisely because their Oyakata is absent, the disciples are more united than ever. [Ichiro Sasaki]