Paris return part two and ticket sales

[Moti Dichne]

The second part of the Kyokai contingent returned to Haneda Airport today after the Paris Koen, the first in 31 years. The venue, which has a capacity of approximately 15,000 people, was sold out on both days, showing great success. Yokozuna Oonosato reflected, "I feel honored to have been able to wrestle in a venue filled with so many people." He has been struggling with a left shoulder injury, which caused him to miss two consecutive tournaments, and he aims to make a comeback at the Nagoya Basho). He received cheers from the crowd during his dohyo-iri and matches, and renewed his resolve, saying, "I want to train hard again and do my best. Next time, I want to show everyone in Japan a good performance." During his sightseeing, he was captivated by the cityscape of the "City of Flowers" and enjoyed the local cuisine, including bread and butter. He said he felt the excitement in France, as it was during the FIFA World Cup, and added, "I was excited watching the broadcasts on overseas television." This overseas Koen, which they were invited to perform abroad, is their 15th and it has been held for two consecutive years, and their first since London last October. Chairman Hakkaku (and Yokozuna Houshouryuu returned yesterday..

On the 17th, a "Gomenfuda" (official sign announcing the start of the Nagoya Basho which begins on July 12th) was placed at the IG Arena (Kita Ward, Nagoya City), the venue for the basho. Oitekaze Oyakata, who hails from Ishikawa Prefecture and will be serving as the head of the Nagoya Basho this year, said with a sense of accomplishment, "I'm gradually getting used to the work, and preparations are going smoothly. I'm starting to feel that the basho is really getting closer." Tickets for all 15 days are already sold out. Ozeki Kirishima will need to win a high-level tournament to achieve his goal of becoming a Yokozuna, and attention is also focused on Aonishiki, who is aiming to return to the Ozeki rank in just one tournament. Oitekaze Oyakata expressed his expectations, saying, "There will be plenty to see. I hope we can show everyone some great sumo and make it an exciting event."