Search in vein?

[Moti Dichne]

Makushita 15 future hope Fukuzaki (started three basho ago at Makushita tsukedashi 60 and is 16-5 career)  underwent a health check-up at the Kokugikan today. He went through the weight measurement and other procedures without any problems, but his arms were so thick that it was extremely difficult to find a vein for the blood test. The staff tried to find a vein three times, first on his right arm, then his left arm, and then on the back of his right hand, until they finally found a vein. "Blood draws are always difficult, and at regular hospitals, sometimes they stick the needle in four or five times without any blood. In comparison, I was glad they only had to stick the needle in once," he said with a smile. He became the first high school student to qualify for Makushita tsukedashi 60 status, and made his debut in Haru. "I'm winning more than I lose, but the veteran guys in Makushita and my  veteran  heyamates are strong. I need to train with the awareness that I'm a Makushita joi, but they're all strong, so it's often difficult to win. I still have a lot to improve," he said. The 18-year-old rising star with extraordinary arms is aiming to become a sekitori.