Wakatakakage kyujo

[Moti Dichne]

Today, Arashio Oyakata announced that Sekiwake Wakatakakage will be absent from the Nagoya basho. Wakatakakage injured his left thigh during keiko on the 1st, which significantly delayed his preparation. Arashio Oyakata said, "The pain worsened after he returned to the heya from degeiko, and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. He said, 'I've just overcome my knee injury,' but this is a serious injury, so I want him to focus on healing first." Wakatakakage won his second yusho last tournament and was expected to solidify his position for promotion to Ozeki in this tournament, his first Sekiwake title in five tournaments. He sustained the injury at Sadogatake beya during keiko, and according to his Oyakata, he has been absent from practice since the 2nd. If his absence is officially decided at the torikumi making meeting on the 10th, it will be his eighth kyujo after two bashos.