Training news- Hiradoumi

[Moti Dichne]

Hiradoumi from Hirado City, had  a total of 10 matches at the Winter jungyo today. Against Houshouryuu, he did a low attack, then used his right hand to move forward and win, getting two straight wins. "The cheers were loud and it was fun. I'm glad I was able to have some bouts against a yokozuna in my hometown," he said with delight. His mother, Mika Sakaguchi, was also in attendance. "I'm happy he came (to his hometown). I want my son to do his best without getting injured," she said, revealing her parental feelings. Sakao Hiroki, who coached him at the Himosashi Sumo Club during his elementary and junior high school years, was delighted, saying, "I was able to see him doing well." His Oyakata and jungyo director, Sakaigawa, said with a smile, "This is a way to give back to his hometown. I think he has high hopes for the future." He looked on with delight at the spirited training on the second day of the tour. In the Kyushu basho, Hiradoumi was ranked at M3 and had a record of 4--11, meaning he was unable to return to sanyaku this year. The former Komusubi reflected, "Even though I was ranked high, I was unable to achieve any notable results." Looking ahead to next year, he said, "I want to return to sanyaku ." In training sessions prior to the last basho, he fought Yokozuna Oonosato on a number of occasions. However, this did not translate into visible results, but he emphasized, "I have to think beyond the number of bouts."