Asahifuji at the Summer jungyo

[Moti Dichne]

The Natsu jungyo kicked off today at the Gifu Memorial Center's Ai Dome, and great hope Makushita Asahifuji participated in keiko with the Sekitori . After joining the keiko with the Makushita and lower division rikishi, Asahifuji also joined keiko with the Sekitori . On the dohyo lined with rikishi in white mawashi, the Makushita rikishi in a black mawashi made his presence felt. He took on Makuuchi rikishi such as Fujinokawa, Hiradoumi, and Ura in 14 bouts, fighting on equal terms and even powerfully pushing them out of the dohyo, making him stand out. Finally, he had a practice bout with Gounoyama. Although out of breath, he desperately clung on, drawing applause from the crowd. The tour director, Takadagawa Oyakata, commented, "It's not exactly a baptism of fire at a young age, but it's meaningful, so I think it's good." Regarding his participation, he explained, "The Oyakata who have been watching him from below thought he had strength." Asahifuji suffered a defeat on the ninth day of the Nagoya tournament, ending his winning streak from his debut in Jonokuchi at 25, the third longest in history. Nevertheless, he advanced to the yusho playoffs with six other rikishi  who were tied with a 6-1 record, and went on to win the Makushita yusho.