Training news

[Moti Dichne]

The basho starts next Sunday, January 12th and will run through January 26th -  Tokyo

Ozeki Kotozakura had 30 bouts at home today, winning 25, facing degeiko-ing Takanoshou, Daieishou, Gounoyama and other folk. "I was able to do good keiko. I will be sharpening my body's responses," he said. When he was able to get a hold of his opponents' mawashi he was looking good. "I don't want to lose by power.." he sighed. His three opponents who came for degeiko are all pusher-thrusters, so he was looking for ways to counter their attacks. He is facing his first Yokozuna run. " I cam only do what I can do..I have to go about it as usual," he explained. Tomorrow is the YDC soken. "I'll face the bouts one by one and do good, proper sumo," he summed somewhat later.

Sekiwake Daieishou was at Sadogatake as well, and had 19 bouts, going 2-6 against Kotozakura. "I was happy to be bale to train with the currently strongest Ozeki. I am aiming upwards," he said. He hasn't been able to record double digit wins at sanyaku since Aki 2023. He needs ten wins or more to start an Ozeki run. "That's the first barrier. I want to properly accumulate those wins!" he said.

Maegashira 1 Takanoshou, aiming to return to sanyaku, went today to Sadogatake beya for degeiko. "I will do my best to win in double digits," he promised. He had 20 bouts against Ozeki Kotozakura and others, pushing him back at times. "I will remember not to forget to constantly move forward!" he declared.