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Terunofuji retires, leaving sumo without yokozuna for first time in 30 years

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Terunofuji, what an amazing accomplishment to get 10 tournament victories after such a terrible injury that sent you way down from Ozeki status. 10 tournament wins is Dai Yokozuna status shared by few including Terunofuji, Hakuho, Akebono and Chiyonofuji.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

He has missed 13 of 21 tournaments in total since being promoted to yokozuna in July 2021.

This is true, but its kind of unfortunate since when he was healthy he really did quite well - he was the champion in 6 out of 8 of the tournaments that he was able to fully compete in (and had respectable 11-4 records in the other two).

Nowhere near Hakuho level but still he was a decent Yokozuna.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Otsukaresama deshita! Greatest comeback story in sumo history,

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Yokozuna come on TV before the main bouts, entering the straw ring wearing a heavy white rope around their waists, stamping their feet and clapping their hands. I guess the fans feel they need traditional yokozuna dohyo-iri, but I find sumo exciting enough without depending on ceremonies or the presence/non-presence of any particular rank. Japan-born yokozuna have been in the minority as Mongolians like Asashoryu, Harumafuji, Hakuho and Terunofuji have domininated the sport for decades now and things have worked out all right.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Terunofuji brought us many fantastic moments and memories. He was an honorable Daiyokozuna, having won 10 tournaments.

Excited to see whether Hoshoryu can be our next Yokozuna. He has certainly been a beast so far in the current tournament! We’re cheering for you!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Terunofuji, what an amazing accomplishment to get 10 tournament victories after such a terrible injury that sent you way down from Ozeki status. 10 tournament wins is Dai Yokozuna status shared by few including Terunofuji, Hakuho, Akebono and Chiyonofuji.

Pray tell, how can someone who thinks they "know" about sumo, conveniently "forget" Takanohana, who won 22 tournaments, which is 6th place overall and so many others WAY ahead of Terunofuji!

Akebono was not and is not considered a "dai yokozuna" neither is terunofuji either.

You really have missed so many, you should go back and learn more!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sumo_tournament_top_division_champions

0 ( +4 / -4 )

An average Yokozuna helped by the constant decline in competitive competitors.

respect but not one that will be remembered long. But brave to battle through injury after injury

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Indeed a great champion. Post tourney interviews also entertaining.

What's the next chapter in his life?

BTW, anyone keeping tabs on the great Takanohana? He's doing many fun things in life. Lost maybe half his previous body weight.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

An average Yokozuna helped by the constant decline in competitive competitors.

People really overlook this fact. Sumo, due to a plethora of "shot themselves in the foot" reasons and others, is no longer the popular sport that it once was.

Who can blame kids for not wanting to enter into a life of being constantly bullied and a shorted life span.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

He was OK as a Yokozuna, but those extra bulging springs on his knees, and wide grippy elbow bands gave him certain advantages that were not too pleasant to watch. Probably missed way too many tournaments overall. This one he looked rocky from the start and I was not surprised he made this decision to retire. Wishing him all the best.

Enjoying Takakeisho's look and intelligent commentary in his new role, by the way.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hoshoryu wins the 2025 Hatsu yusho! His promotion is being discussed. Best of luck to him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

We have a new yokozuna. Welcome #74 Hoshoryu!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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