Ex-Hakuhou news

[Moti Dichne]

The shikona of rikishi from Miyagino beya will be restored after they are released from the Isegahama 'custody'. On the 20th, former Yokozuna Hakuhou, who retired from the Kyokai in June last year, held a press conference at AP Akasaka Green Cross in Minato Ward, Tokyo, to announce the holding of the 16th World Sumo Tournament Hakuhou Cup. After the press conference, he responded to a group interview and indicated that rikishi from Miyagino beya who changed their shikona from this Hatsu Basho may revert to their original shikona in the future. Eight rikishi from Miyagino beya, including makuuchi  Hakuouhou, now known as Hakunofuji, have changed their shikona since the Hatsu Basho. Hakuhou revealed that he had received a call from Isegahama Oyakata before the banzuke was announced. "I received a proper call from the Oyakata.  He said that the name change is for the sake of unity. We have also discussed that they will revert to their original shikona after Miyagino-beya will be released from 'custody'." "If Miyagino beya wasn't considered 'in custody', Asahifuji wouldn't have been able to join the heya," he explained. He also plans to attend Isegahama Oyakata's danpatsushiki on the 31st.

At the same press conference he announced the details of the 16th Hakuhou Cup World Sumo Tournament (February 7th and 8th). This will be Hakuhou's first tournament since his retirement from the Kyokai  in June 2025. The venue will be Toyota Arena Tokyo, replacing the previous Ryogoku Kokugikan, and the two-day event will be held over two days (makes sense..). New women's and adult divisions will be added this time, and more than 1,700 participants from 18 countries are expected. As part of the World Grand Slam initiative, exhibition matches featuring champions from around the world are also planned. Admission is free on both days. Hakuhou said, "I've grown thanks to professional sumo. Some people may be worried about what Hakuhou has been doing lately, but I hope you will come and see what Hakuhou is doing, including children, on either of the two days." As in the past, sumo is also looking ahead to becoming an Olympic sport.